U.S. patent application number 11/786739 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-16 for compton scattered x-ray visualization, imaging, or information provider using image combining.
This patent application is currently assigned to Searete LLC, a limited liability corporation of. Invention is credited to Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Robert W. Lord, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith, Clarence T. Tegreene, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Victoria Y. H. Wood.
Application Number | 20080253627 11/786739 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39433482 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080253627 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Boyden; Edward S. ; et
al. |
October 16, 2008 |
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
provider using image combining
Abstract
One aspect relates to deriving at least one first visualization,
image, or provided information via Compton scattering substantially
within an at least some matter of an at least a portion of an
individual at least partially as a result of directing an at least
one first applied X-ray having an at least one first energy level
towards the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the
individual; deriving at least one second visualization, image, or
provided information via Compton scattering substantially within
the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the
individual at least partially as a result of directing an at least
one second applied X-ray having an at least one second energy level
toward the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the
individual; and deriving at least one combined visualization,
combined image, or combined provided information at least partially
by combining the at least one first visualization, image, or
provided information with the at least one second visualization,
image, or provided information.
Inventors: |
Boyden; Edward S.;
(Cambridge, MA) ; Hyde; Roderick A.; (Redmond,
WA) ; Ishikawa; Muriel Y.; (Livermore, CA) ;
Jung; Edward K. Y.; (Bellevue, WA) ; Leuthardt; Eric
C.; (St. Louis, MO) ; Lord; Robert W.;
(Seattle, WA) ; Myhrvold; Nathan P.; (Medina,
WA) ; Rivet; Dennis J.; (St. Louis, MO) ;
Smith; Michael A.; (Phoenix, AZ) ; Tegreene; Clarence
T.; (Bellevue, WA) ; Weaver; Thomas A.; (San
Mateo, CA) ; Whitmer; Charles; (North Bend, WA)
; Wood; Lowell L.; (Bellevue, WA) ; Wood; Victoria
Y. H.; (Livermore, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SEARETE LLC;CLARENCE T. TEGREENE
1756 - 114TH AVE., S.E., SUITE 110
BELLEVUE
WA
98004
US
|
Assignee: |
Searete LLC, a limited liability
corporation of
the State of Delaware
|
Family ID: |
39433482 |
Appl. No.: |
11/786739 |
Filed: |
April 11, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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11786744 |
Apr 11, 2007 |
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11786739 |
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11786741 |
Apr 11, 2007 |
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11786744 |
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11786776 |
Apr 11, 2007 |
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11786741 |
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11786759 |
Apr 11, 2007 |
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11786776 |
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11786743 |
Apr 11, 2007 |
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11786759 |
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11786775 |
Apr 11, 2007 |
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11786743 |
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11786758 |
Apr 11, 2007 |
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11786775 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
382/128 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A61B 6/508 20130101;
A61N 7/02 20130101; A61B 6/12 20130101; A61B 6/145 20130101; A61B
6/482 20130101; A61B 6/505 20130101; A61B 6/483 20130101; A61B
6/506 20130101; A61B 18/20 20130101; A61B 6/548 20130101; A61B
18/12 20130101; A61B 6/507 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
382/128 |
International
Class: |
G06K 9/36 20060101
G06K009/36 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: deriving at least one first visualization,
image, or provided information via Compton scattering substantially
within an at least some matter of an at least a portion of an
individual at least partially as a result of directing an at least
one first applied X-ray having an at least one first energy level
towards the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the
individual; deriving at least one second visualization, image, or
provided information via Compton scattering substantially within
the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the
individual at least partially as a result of directing an at least
one second applied X-ray having an at least one second energy level
toward the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the
individual; and deriving at least one combined visualization,
combined image, or combined provided information at least partially
by combining the at least one first visualization, image, or
provided information with the at least one second visualization,
image, or provided information.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the deriving the at least one
combined visualization, combined image, or combined provided
information includes combining at least some additional information
in addition to the at least one first visualization, image, or
provided information or the at least one second visualization,
image, or provided information.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising directing the at least
one first applied X-ray along a coincident path as the at least one
second applied X-ray.
4. The method of claim 1, further comprising: deriving at least one
third visualization, image, or provided information via Compton
scattering substantially within the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual at least partially as a result
of directing an at least one third applied X-ray having an at least
one third energy level toward the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual; and deriving at least one
second-combined visualization, second-combined image, or
second-combined provided information at least partially by
combining the at least one second visualization, image, or provided
information with the at least one third visualization, image, or
provided information.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one first energy
level is unequal to the at least one second energy level.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the deriving the at least one
combined visualization, combined image, or combined provided
information at least partially by combining the at least one first
visualization, image, or provided information with the at least one
second visualization, image, or provided information includes a
subtraction of the at least one first visualization, image, or
provided information from the at least one second visualization,
image, or provided information.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the deriving the at least one
combined visualization, combined image, or combined provided
information at least partially by combining the at least one first
visualization, image, or provided information with the at least one
second visualization, image, or provided information includes a
weighted subtraction of the at least one first visualization,
image, or provided information from the at least one second
visualization, image, or provided information.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein the deriving the at least one
combined visualization, combined image, or combined provided
information at least partially by combining the at least one first
visualization, image, or provided information with the at least one
second visualization, image, or provided information includes a
functional subtraction of the at least one first visualization,
image, or provided information from the at least one second
visualization, image, or provided information.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the deriving the at least one
combined visualization, combined image, or combined provided
information at least partially by combining the at least one first
visualization, image, or provided information with the at least one
second visualization, image, or provided information includes at
least one of a group of operations relating the at least one first
visualization, image, or provided information with respect to the
at least one second visualization, image, or provided information,
wherein the group of operations includes an inverse integral
transform, a subtractive inverse integral transform, an inverse
functional transform, or a subtractive inverse functional
transform.
10. The method of claim 1, wherein the deriving the at least one
first visualization, image, or provided information via the Compton
scattering substantially within the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual is performed at least partially
within an at least one substantial scattered depth range to at
least one prescribed substantial scattered depth.
11. The method of claim 1, wherein the deriving the at least one
first visualization, image, or provided information via the Compton
scattering substantially within the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual is performed at least partially
in response to a determining a location of a scattering event.
12. The method of claim 1, wherein the deriving the at least one
first visualization, image, or provided information via the Compton
scattering substantially within the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual is performed at a rate
sufficient to substantially capture a physical motion that is
consistent with an individual-based physiological process.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the deriving the at least one
first visualization, image, or provided information via the Compton
scattering substantially within the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual is performed at a rate
sufficient to substantially capture a physical motion that is
consistent with a user-observable physiological process.
14. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one first applied
X-ray having the at least one first energy level is at least
partially derived by intersecting one or more of the at least one
first applied X-ray.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein the deriving the combined
visualization, combined image, or combined provided information
comprises: deriving a combined-slice visualization, combined-slice
imaging, or providing combined-slice information.
16. The method of claim 1, wherein the deriving the combined
visualization, combined image, or combined provided information
comprises: deconvolving information relating to the at least one
scattered X-ray.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the deriving the combined
visualization, combined image, or combined provided information
comprises: transforming information relating to the at least one
scattered X-ray.
18. The method of claim 1, wherein the deriving the combined
visualization, combined image, or combined provided information
comprises: filtering information relating to the at least one
scattered X-ray.
19. The method of claim 1, wherein the deriving the combined
visualization, combined image, or combined provided information
comprises: collimating the at least one scattered X-ray.
20. The method of claim 1, wherein the combined visualization,
combined image, or combined provided information is at least
partially derived in response to the at least one first applied
X-ray through at least a portion of an at least partially external
surface of the individual.
21. The method of claim 1, wherein the combined visualization,
combined image, or combined provided information is at least
partially derived in response to the at least one first applied
X-ray through at least a portion of an at least partially internal
surface of the individual.
22. The method of claim 1, wherein the at least some matter of the
at least the portion of the individual includes at least one from a
matter group, the matter group includes at least one of an at least
one tissue, an at least one bone, an at least one bone portion, an
at least one bone fragment, or an at least one tooth, an at least
one bodily fluid, an at least one blood or a component thereof, an
at least one naturally-occurring fluid vessel capable of carrying
or maintaining an at least one bodily fluid, an at least one
man-made fluid vessel capable of carrying or maintaining an at
least one bodily fluid.
23.-27. (canceled)
28. The method of claim 1, wherein the individual includes at least
one from a group, the group including a human, an animal, an
organism, or a plant.
29. An apparatus, comprising: an at least a first portion of a
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly configured to derive a
first visualization, image, or providing information at least
partially as a result of an at least a first portion of one emitter
portion directing at least one first applied X-ray having an at
least one first energy level towards the at least some matter of
the at least the portion of the individual; an at least a second
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive a second visualization, image, or provided
information at least partially as a result of an at least a portion
of an at least a second portion of the one emitter portion
directing at least one second applied X-ray having an at least one
second energy level towards the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual; and an at least a third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive a combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information of the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual at least partially by combining
the first visualization, image, or provided information at the
first prescribed depth through the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual with the second visualization,
image, or provided information at the second prescribed depth
through the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the
individual.
30. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least a third portion
of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly configured to
derive the at least one combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information includes combining at least some
additional information in addition to the at least one first
visualization, image, or provided information or the at least one
second visualization, image, or provided information.
31. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising the Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assembly configured to directing the at
least one first applied X-ray along a coincident path as the at
least one second applied X-ray.
32. The apparatus of claim 29, further comprising: an at least a
fourth portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive the at least one third visualization, image,
or provided information via Compton scattering substantially within
the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the
individual at least partially as a result of directing an at least
one third applied X-ray having an at least one third energy level
toward the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the
individual; and an at least a fifth portion of the Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assembly configured to derive at least
one second-combined visualization, second-combined image, or
second-combined provided information at least partially by
combining the at least one second visualization, image, or provided
information with the at least one third visualization, image, or
provided information.
33. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least one first
energy level is unequal to the at least one second energy
level.
34. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive the combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information of the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual at least partially by combining
the first visualization, image, or provided information with the
second visualization, image, or provided information comprises: the
at least the third portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly configured to derive the combined visualization, combined
image, or combined provided information of the at least some matter
of the at least the portion of the individual at least partially by
a subtraction of the first visualization, image, or provided
information from the second visualization, image, or provided
information.
35. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive the combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information of the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual at least partially by combining
the first visualization, image, or provided information with the
second visualization, image, or provided information comprises: the
at least the third portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly configured to derive the combined visualization, combined
image, or combined provided information of the at least some matter
of the at least the portion of the individual at least partially by
a weighted subtraction of the first visualization, image, or
provided information from the second visualization, image, or
provided information.
36. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive the combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information of the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual at least partially by combining
the first visualization, image, or provided information with the
second visualization, image, or provided information comprises: the
at least the third portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly configured to derive the combined visualization, combined
image, or combined provided information of the at least some matter
of the at least the portion of the individual at least partially by
a functional subtraction of the first visualization, image, or
provided information from the second visualization, image, or
provided information.
37. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive the combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information of the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual at least partially by combining
the first visualization, image, or provided information with the
second visualization, image, or provided information comprises: the
at least the third portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly configured to derive the combined visualization, combined
image, or combined provided information of the at least some matter
of the at least the portion of the individual at least partially by
the combining of the first visualization, image, or provided
information from the second visualization, image, or provided
information in a manner characterized by at least one of a group of
operations, the group of operations includes an inverse integral
transform, a subtractive inverse integral transform, an inverse
functional transform, or a subtractive inverse functional
transform.
38. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the first
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly is
configured to derive the first visualization, image, or provided
information at least partially as a result of the at least the
first portion of the one emitter portion directing the at least one
first applied X-ray at least partially within an at least one
substantial scattered depth range to at least one prescribed
substantial scattered depth.
39. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the second
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly is
configured to derive the second visualization, image, or provided
information at least partially as a result of the at least the
second portion of the one emitter portion directing the at least
one second applied X-ray at least partially within an at least one
substantial scattered depth range to at least one prescribed
substantial scattered depth.
40. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the first
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly is
configured to derive the first visualization, image, or provided
information at least partially within an at least one visualizing,
imaging, or information providing depth range to at least one
prescribed visualizing, imaging, or information providing
depth.
41. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the second
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly is
configured to derive the second visualization, image, or provided
information at least partially within an at least one visualizing,
imaging, or information providing depth range to at least one
prescribed visualizing, imaging, or information providing
depth.
42. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly is
configured to derive the combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information of the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual at least partially within an at
least one visualizing, imaging, or information providing depth
range to at least one prescribed visualizing, imaging, or
information providing depth.
43. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly is
configured to derive the combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information of the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual at least partially in response
to a determining a location of a scattering event.
44. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly is at
least partially operationally common with the at least the second
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly.
45. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly is at
least partially operationally common with the at least the first
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly.
46. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the first
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly is at
least partially operationally common with, the at least the second
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly.
47. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive the combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information at least partially by combining at
least an additional visualization, an additional imaging, or
providing additional information at least partially from an
additional imaging modality.
48. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the first
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly is
configured to derive the first visualization, image, or provided
information at least partially by intersecting one or more of the
at least one first applied X-ray.
49. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the first
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly is
configured to derive the first visualization, image, or provided
information at least partially by at least partially derived by
intersecting one or more of the at least one first applied X-ray
with one or more of the at least one second applied X-ray.
50. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive the combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information comprises: the at least a third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive a combined slice-based visualization, combined
slice-based imaging, or providing combined slice-based
information.
51. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive the combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information comprises: the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to configured to deconvolute information relating to the
at least one scattered X-ray.
52. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive the combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information comprises: the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to configured to transform information relating to the
at least one scattered X-ray.
53. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive the combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information comprises: the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to configured to filter information relating to the at
least one scattered X-ray.
54. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive the combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information comprises: the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to configured to collimate the at least one scattered
X-ray being scattered from one or more of the at least one applied
X-ray.
55. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive the combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information at least partially through at least a
portion of an at least partially external surface of the
individual.
56. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive the combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information at least partially through at least a
portion of an at least partially internal surface of the
individual.
57. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the at least some matter of
the at least the portion of the individual includes at least one
from a matter group, the matter group includes at least one of an
at least one tissue, an at least one bone, an at least one bone
portion, an at least one bone fragment, or an at least one tooth,
an at least one bodily fluid, an at least one blood or a component
thereof, an at least one naturally-occurring fluid vessel capable
of carrying or maintaining an at least one bodily fluid, a at least
one man-made fluid vessel capable of carrying or maintaining an at
least one bodily fluid.
58.-62. (canceled)
63. The apparatus of claim 29, wherein the individual includes at
least one from a group, the group including a human, an animal, an
organism, or a plant.
64. An apparatus, comprising: a first Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider means for deriving at
least one first visualization, image, or provided information to be
Compton scattered substantially within an at least some matter of
an at least a portion of an individual at least partially as a
result of directing an at least one first applied X-ray having an
at least one first energy level towards the at least some matter of
the at least the portion of the individual; a second Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider means
for deriving at least one second visualization, image, or provided
information to be Compton scattered substantially within the at
least some matter of the at least the portion of the individual at
least partially as a result of directing an at least one second
applied X-ray having an at least one second energy level toward the
at least some matter of the at least the portion of the individual;
and a third Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider means for deriving an at least one combined
visualization, combined image, or combined provided information at
least partially by combining the at least one first visualization,
image, or provided information at least partially from the a first
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
means with the at least one second visualization, image, or
provided information at least partially from the second Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
means.
65. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the third Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider means for
deriving the at least one combined visualization, combined image,
or combined provided information includes combining at least some
additional information in addition to the at least one first
visualization, image, or provided information or the at least one
second visualization, image, or provided information.
66. The apparatus of claim 64, further comprising the first Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider means
and the second Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider means configured for directing the at least
one first applied X-ray along a coincident path as the at least one
second applied X-ray.
67. The apparatus of claim 64, further comprising: a fourth Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider means
for deriving the at least one third visualization, image, or
provided information via Compton scattering substantially within
the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the
individual at least partially as a result of directing an at least
one third applied X-ray having an at least one third energy level
toward the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the
individual; and a fifth Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager,
or information provider means for deriving at least one
second-combined visualization, second-combined image, or
second-combined provided information at least partially by
combining the at least one second visualization, image, or provided
information with the at least one third visualization, image, or
provided information.
68. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the at least one first
energy level is unequal to the at least one second energy
level.
69. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive the combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information of the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual at least partially by combining
the first visualization, image, or provided information with the
second visualization image, or provided information comprises: the
at least the third portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly configured to derive the combined visualization, combined
image, or combined provided information of the at least some matter
of the at least the portion of the individual at least partially by
a subtraction of the first visualization, image, or provided
information from the second visualization, image, or provided
information.
70. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the at least the third
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
configured to derive the combined visualization, combined image, or
combined provided information of the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual at least partially by combining
the first visualization, image, or provided information with the
second visualization, image, or provided information comprises: the
at least the third portion of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly configured to derive the combined visualization, combined
image, or combined provided information of the at least some matter
of the at least the portion of the individual at least partially by
a weighted subtraction of the first visualization, image, or
provided information from the second visualization, image, or
provided information.
71. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the at least the third
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
means configured to derive the combined visualization, combined
image, or combined provided information of the at least some matter
of the at least the portion of the individual at least partially by
combining the first visualization, image, or provided information
with the second visualization, image, or provided information
comprises: the at least the third Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider means configured to
derive the combined visualization, combined image, or combined
provided information of the at least some matter of the at least
the portion of the individual at least partially by a subtraction
of the first visualization, image, or provided information from the
second visualization, image, or provided information.
72. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the at least the third
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
means configured to derive the combined visualization, combined
image, or combined provided information of the at least some matter
of the at least the portion of the individual at least partially by
combining the first visualization, image, or provided information
with the second visualization, image, or provided information
comprises: the at least the third Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider means configured to
derive the combined visualization, combined image, or combined
provided information of the at least some matter of the at least
the portion of the individual at least partially by a weighted
subtraction of the first visualization, image, or provided
information from the second visualization, image, or provided
information.
73. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the at least the third
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
means configured to derive the combined visualization, combined
image, or combined provided information of the at least some matter
of the at least the portion of the individual at least partially by
combining the first visualization, image, or provided information
with the second visualization, image, or provided information
comprises: the at least the third Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider means configured to
derive the combined visualization, combined image, or combined
provided information of the at least some matter of the at least
the portion of the individual at least partially by a functional
subtraction of the first visualization, image, or provided
information from the second visualization, image, or provided
information.
74. The apparatus of claim 64, wherein the at least the third
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
means configured to derive the combined visualization, combined
image, or combined provided information of the at least some matter
of the at least the portion of the individual at least partially by
combining the first visualization, image, or provided information
with the second visualization, image, or provided information
comprises: the at least the third Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider means configured to
derive the combined visualization, combined image, or combined
provided information of the at least some matter of the at least
the portion of the individual at least partially by the combining
of the first visualization, image, or provided information from the
second visualization, image, or provided information in a manner
characterized by at least one of a group of operations, the group
of operations includes an inverse integral transform, a subtractive
inverse integral transform, an inverse functional transform, or a
subtractive inverse functional transform.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is related to and claims the benefit
of the earliest available effective filing date(s) from the
following listed application(s) (the "Related Applications") (e.g.,
claims earliest available priority dates for other than provisional
patent applications or claims benefits under 35 USC .sctn. 119(e)
for provisional patent applications, for any and all parent,
grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications of the Related
Application(s)).
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0002] 1. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements,
the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. [To be assigned by USPTO], entitled
"COMPTON SCATTERED X-RAY VISUALIZATION, IMAGING, OR INFORMATION
PROVIDER", naming Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y.
Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Robert W. Lord,
Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith, Clarence T.
Tegreene, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr.
and Victoria Y. H. Wood, as inventors, filed Apr. 11, 2007, which
is currently co-pending, or is an application of which a currently
co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of the filing
date.
[0003] 2. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements,
the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. [To be assigned by USPTO], entitled
"COMPTON SCATTERED X-RAY VISUALIZATION, IMAGING, OR INFORMATION
PROVIDER WITH SCATTERING EVENT LOCATING", naming Edward S. Boyden,
Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Eric C.
Leuthardt, Robert W. Lord, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet,
Michael A. Smith, Clarence T. Tegreene, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles
Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr. and Victoria Y. H. Wood, as inventors,
filed Apr. 11, 2007, which is currently co-pending, or is an
application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled
to the benefit of the filing date.
[0004] 3. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements,
the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. [To be assigned by USPTO], entitled
"ASPECTS OF COMPTON SCATTERED X-RAY VISUALIZATION, IMAGING, OR
INFORMATION PROVIDING", naming Edward S. Boyden, Glenn B. Foster,
Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Eric C.
Leuthardt, Robert W. Lord, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet,
Michael A. Smith, Clarence T. Tegreene, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles
Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr. and Victoria Y. H. Wood, as inventors,
filed Apr. 11, 2007, which is currently co-pending, or is an
application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled
to the benefit of the filing date.
[0005] 4. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements,
the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. [To be assigned by USPTO], entitled
"COMPTON SCATTERED X-RAY DEPTH VISUALIZATION, IMAGING, OR
INFORMATION PROVIDER WITH TIME OF FLIGHT COMPUTATION", naming
Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.
Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Robert W. Lord, Nathan P. Myhrvold,
Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith, Clarence T. Tegreene, Thomas A.
Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr. and Victoria Y. H.
Wood, as inventors, filed Apr. 11, 2007, which is currently
co-pending, or is an application of which a currently co-pending
application is entitled to the benefit of the filing date.
[0006] 5. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements,
the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. [To be assigned by USPTO], entitled
"TOOL ASSOCIATED WITH COMPTON SCATTERED X-RAY VISUALIZATION,
IMAGING, OR INFORMATION PROVIDER", naming Edward S. Boyden,
Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Eric C.
Leuthardt, Robert W. Lord, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet,
Michael A. Smith, Clarence T. Tegreene, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles
Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr. and Victoria Y. H. Wood, as inventors,
filed March Apr. 11, 2007, which is currently co-pending, or is an
application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled
to the benefit of the filing date.
[0007] 6. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements,
the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. [To be assigned by USPTO], entitled
"COMPTON SCATTERED X-RAY VISUALIZATION, IMAGING, OR INFORMATION
PROVIDER IN SOFT MATTER SUCH AS TISSUE, ORGANS, OR BLOOD, AND/OR IN
HARD MATTER SUCH AS BONES OR TEETH", naming Edward S. Boyden,
Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Eric C.
Leuthardt, Robert W. Lord, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet,
Michael A. Smith, Clarence T. Tegreene, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles
Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, Jr. and Victoria Y. H. Wood, as inventors,
filed Apr. 11, 2007, which is currently co-pending, or is an
application of which a currently co-pending application is entitled
to the benefit of the filing date.
[0008] 7. For purposes of the USPTO extra-statutory requirements,
the present application constitutes a continuation-in-part of U.S.
patent application Ser. No. [To be assigned by USPTO], entitled
"VOLUMETRIC TYPE COMPTON SCATTERED X-RAY VISUALIZATION, IMAGING, OR
INFORMATION PROVIDER", naming Edward S. Boyden, Roderick A. Hyde,
Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K. Y. Jung, Eric C. Leuthardt, Robert W.
Lord, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Dennis J. Rivet, Michael A. Smith,
Clarence T. Tegreene, Thomas A. Weaver, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L.
Wood, Jr. and Victoria Y. H. Wood, as inventors, filed Apr. 11,
2007, which is currently co-pending, or is an application of which
a currently co-pending application is entitled to the benefit of
the filing date.
[0009] The United States Patent Office (USPTO) has published a
notice to the effect that the USPTO's computer programs require
that patent applicants reference both a serial number and indicate
whether an application is a continuation or continuation-in-part.
Stephen G. Kunin, Benefit of Prior-Filed Application, USPTO
Official Gazette Mar. 18, 2003, available at
http://www.uspto.gov/web/offices/com/sol/og/2003/week11/patbene.htm.
The present Applicant Entity (hereinafter "Applicant") has provided
above a specific reference to the application(s) from which
priority is being claimed as recited by statute. Applicant
understands that the statute is unambiguous in its specific
reference language and does not require either a serial number or
any characterization, such as "continuation" or
"continuation-in-part," for claiming priority to U.S. patent
applications. Notwithstanding the foregoing, Applicant understands
that the USPTO's computer programs have certain data entry
requirements, and hence Applicant is designating the present
application as a continuation-in-part of its parent applications as
set forth above, but expressly points out that such designations
are not to be construed in any way as any type of commentary and/or
admission as to whether or not the present application contains any
new matter in addition to the matter of its parent
application(s).
[0010] All subject matter of the Related Applications and of any
and all parent, grandparent, great-grandparent, etc. applications
of the Related Applications is incorporated herein by reference to
the extent such subject matter is not inconsistent herewith.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0011] Certain aspects of this disclosure can relate to, but are
not limited to, a variety of embodiment of Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information providers, and associated
mechanisms and/or techniques.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0012] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider;
[0013] FIG. 2 is a diagram of a scattering event in which an X-ray
photon is scattered, such as can be performed by certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider;
[0014] FIG. 3 is a diagram of an embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider;
[0015] FIG. 4 is a diagram of another embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider;
[0016] FIG. 5 is a diagram of yet another embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider;
[0017] FIG. 6 is a diagram of another embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
including a collimator;
[0018] FIG. 7 is a diagram of another embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
including a scanning shield portion;
[0019] FIG. 8 shows a diagram of one embodiment of an at least one
emitter portion that can be included in certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider;
[0020] FIG. 9 shows a diagram of another embodiment of the emitter
portion that can be included in certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider;
[0021] FIG. 10 is a diagram of another embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider in
which an other electromagnetic radiation beam is applied to the
applied X-ray;
[0022] FIG. 11 is a diagram of another embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
including a collimator or scanning shield portion;
[0023] FIGS. 12a and 12b are a diagram illustrating motion of
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider such as may occur during certain
types of volumetric visualization, imaging, or information
providing;
[0024] FIG. 13 shows a flow chart of one embodiment of
visualization, imaging, or information providing, such as may occur
using certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider as described with
respect to FIGS. 12a and 12b;
[0025] FIG. 14 is a diagram of an embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
configured to visualize, image, and/or provide information from at
least a surface of an individual;
[0026] FIG. 15 is a diagram of an embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
configured to visualize, image, and/or provide information within a
volume from a first prescribed depth to a second prescribed
depth;
[0027] FIG. 16 shows another embodiment of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider;
[0028] FIG. 17 shows yet another embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider;
[0029] FIG. 18 shows a diagram of an at least the portion of an
individual (e.g., human) being visualized, imaged, or image
provided by one embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider;
[0030] FIG. 19 shows a block diagram of a Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing process using the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
such as described with respect to FIG. 18;
[0031] FIG. 20 is a diagram of the at least the portion of the
individual being visualized, imaged, or image provided by another
embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider;
[0032] FIG. 21 shows a block diagram of another Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing process
using the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider such as described with respect to FIG. 20;
[0033] FIG. 22 is a diagram of an embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider as used
by a dentist;
[0034] FIG. 23 is a diagram of an internal embodiment (e.g.,
endoscope-based) of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager,
or information provider;
[0035] FIG. 24 is a partial cross-section of certain skin and
subsurface layers of an individual (e.g., human) that can be
visualized, imaged, or have information provided;
[0036] FIG. 25 is a partial cross-section of certain skin and
subsurface layers of the individual including a skin aberration
(e.g., a melanoma);
[0037] FIG. 26 shows another embodiment of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider including an
embodiment of an at least one display portion configured as a
personal display or information provider portion;
[0038] FIG. 27 shows one embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider including an embodiment
of the at least one display portion configured as a group display
or information provider portion;
[0039] FIG. 28 shows a flexible embodiment of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider;
[0040] FIG. 29 shows an embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider that can be positioned
by the user;
[0041] FIG. 30 shows another embodiment of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider;
[0042] FIG. 31 shows yet another embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider;
[0043] FIG. 32 shows one animal-based embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider;
[0044] FIG. 33 shows another animal-based embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider;
[0045] FIG. 34 shows one embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider in which the at least
one emitter portion is situated at least partially externally to
the at least the portion of the individual while the at least one
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly is situated at least
partially externally to the at least the portion of the
individual;
[0046] FIG. 35 shows one embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider in which the at least
one emitter portion is situated at least partially internally to
the at least the portion of the individual while the at least one
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly is situated at least
partially externally to the at least the portion of the
individual;
[0047] FIG. 36 shows one embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider in which the at least
one emitter portion is situated at least partially externally to
the at least the portion of the individual while the at least one
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly is situated at least
partially internally to the at least the portion of the
individual;
[0048] FIG. 37 shows one embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider in which the at least
one emitter portion is situated at least partially internally to
the at least the portion of the individual while the Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assembly is situated at least partially
internally to the at least the portion of the individual;
[0049] FIG. 38 shows another embodiment of the Compton scattered
X-ray receiving assembly that is configured to output
information;
[0050] FIG. 39 shows another embodiment of the Compton scattered
X-ray receiving assembly that is associated with a tool;
[0051] FIG. 40 shows one embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider that is being utilized
for image combination;
[0052] FIG. 41 shows a diagram of one embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider that is
configured to provide a time of flight measurement;
[0053] FIG. 42 shows another embodiment of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider including an
embodiment of a control or adjustment mechanism;
[0054] FIG. 43 shows another embodiment of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider including another
embodiment of the control or adjustment mechanism;
[0055] FIG. 44 shows another embodiment of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider including yet
another embodiment of the control or adjustment mechanism;
[0056] FIG. 45 shows another embodiment of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider including another
embodiment of the control or adjustment mechanism; and
[0057] FIG. 46 is a flow chart of an embodiment of a Compton depth
scattering visualizing, imaging, of information providing technique
as can be performed by certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider of FIG. 1, and
other locations through this disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0058] At least certain portions of the text of this disclosure
(including claims, detailed description, and/or drawings as set
forth herein) can support various different claim groupings and/or
various different applications. Although, for sake of convenience
and understanding, the detailed description can include section
headings that generally track various different concepts associated
with claims or general concepts contained therein, and the detailed
description is not intended to limit the scope of the invention as
set forth by each particular claim. It is to be understood that
support for the various applications or portions thereof thereby,
can appear throughout the text and/or drawings at one or more
locations, irrespective of the section headings.
1. Certain Embodiments of a Compton Scattered X-ray Visualizer,
Imager, or Information Provider; and Associated Visualization,
Imaging, or Information Providing Techniques
[0059] This disclosure describes a number of applications, a
variety of embodiments, as well as associated techniques,
pertaining to different embodiments of a Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 as described in
block form with respect to FIG. 1. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100, as described in this disclosure, can visualize, image, and/or
provide information pertaining to a variety of matter of at least a
portion of an individual. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be configured to visualize, image, or provide information
pertaining to the matter of the at least the portion of the
individual within at least one range of visualization, imaging, or
information providing depth to at least one prescribed
visualization, imaging, or information providing depth 170.
[0060] The visualization, imaging, or information providing may
result in certain instances in an application of at least one
applied X-ray across at least one surface (or some other location
such as with embodiments embedded in matter, tissue, etc.). Such
scattered X-rays can be scattered at one or more scattering event
within an at least one substantially scattered depth range to at
least one prescribed substantially scattered depth. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can operate within the at least one range
of visualization, imaging, or information providing depth to the at
least one prescribed visualization, imaging, or information
providing depth 170 within the at least one matter of the at least
the portion of the individual. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
visualize, image, and/or provide information within a region or
volume extending between at least two prescribed visualization,
imaging, or information providing depths 170. Each region or volume
can be being spaced a range of depths or distances from a surface
168 (or location of the at least a part of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100) of the at
least the portion of the individual. The region or volume can be of
some selected thickness, which when made thinner may approach a
two-dimensional surface.
[0061] Certain of the "range of depths to a prescribed depth" as
described in this disclosure are characterized either by the at
least one range of visualization, imaging, or information providing
depth to at least one prescribed visualization, imaging, or
information providing depth, or alternately the at least one
substantially scattered depth range to at least one prescribed
substantially scattered depth. The at least one range of
visualization, imaging, or information providing depth to at least
one prescribed visualization, imaging, or information providing
depth pertains to the region of the matter of the at least the
portion of the individual that is undergoing visualization,
imaging, or information providing. The at least one substantially
scattered depth range to at least one prescribed substantially
scattered depth pertains to the region of the matter of the at
least portion of the individual to which the applied X-rays are
being applied substantially down to the prescribed substantially
scattered depth (as well as a potential variety of ranges of
substantially scattered depth).
[0062] Certain X-ray photons of the applied X-rays can continue
deeper into the matter of the at least the portion of the
individual then the substantially scattered depth range to the
prescribed substantially scattered depth and may thereupon be
scattered. The visualized, imaged, or information provided regions
within the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the
individual can dimensionally vary considerably in different
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100, as well as different individuals, or
portions thereof. For instance, such range of depths of the
prescribed depths can vary from an infinitesimal dimension, through
a few to hundreds of microns, to a considerable amount of the
distance through such individuals as humans or animals depending on
configuration, type, use, or matter being imaged by the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100.
[0063] The quality, resolution, potential applications, and/or
accuracy, of visualization, imaging, or information providing can
vary, in different embodiments, varying from probes using one or
more emitter portion(s) 150 and/or one or more Compton scattered
X-ray receiving assembly 151. The variation of the quality,
resolution, potential applications, and/or accuracy, of
visualization, imaging, or information providing can continue to
visualizers including one or more emitter portion(s) 150 and/or the
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 can be used to
obtain some depth information about at least some matter in the at
least the portion of the individual. The variation of the quality,
resolution, potential applications, and/or accuracy, of
visualization, imaging, or information providing can further
continue to sophisticated imaging systems allowing for detailed
visualization, imaging, or information providing.
[0064] Within this disclosure, including the appended claims, the
terms "imaging", "visualization", "probing", and/or "information
providing" can, depending context, be considered as being included
within the inclusive term "visualization, imaging, or information
providing". Within this disclosure, certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 could be at least
partially internal to the individual, at least partially external
to the individual, configured as a complete unit, and/or configured
as a number of combined units at least some of which may interact
together.
[0065] Certain embodiments of the one or more emitter portion(s)
150 and/or the one or more Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151 can be configured as discrete units, arrays of
distinct devices, or alternately as arrays of composite devices
made using such processes as semiconductor processing, very large
scale integration (VLSI), ultra large scale integration (ULSI),
and/or other known semiconductor or other manufacturing processes.
The depth visualization, imaging, or information processing
associated with the one or more emitter portion(s) 150 and/or one
or more Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 should be
selected to be suitable for operation of the particular device(s),
as well as the potential user input.
[0066] The associated visualizing, imaging, information providing,
and/or processing technologies can therefore be designed, used,
and/or scaled based, at least in part, on the sophistication and
complexity of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 performing the visualization, imaging, or
information providing. Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing can be performed by a variety of
either at least partially internal embodiments, and/or at least
partially external embodiments. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as
described in the disclosure, can be at least partially generalized
to, and generally at least partially operate according to, the
disclosure as described with respect to the FIG. 1 block
diagram.
[0067] For a variety of reasons, in general, certain conventional
types of visualization, imaging, or information providing can
perform certain activities of types of diagnosis better or worse
than others. This disclosure describes a number of embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 that may each be configured for visualization,
imaging, or information providing such as to detect particular
illnesses, injuries, cancers, tumors, bone conditions, teeth,
implants, etc. in either a devoted or multi-purpose manner. The
FIG. 1 embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100, shown in block diagram format,
can be applied to a variety of configurations as well as
applications, etc.
[0068] FIG. 2 shows, in general, a scattering event associated with
an X-ray photon of an applied X-ray 120 contacting a target
electron 120 (the target electron may be included in the "matter"
of the individual as described in this disclosure) to form the
X-ray photon of a scattered X-ray 122. The X-ray photons of the
applied X-ray 120 generally lose energy during its transition to
the scattered X-ray 122, as a result of the energy transferred/used
by scattering within the scattering event.
[0069] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can thereby
include, but is not limited to, the at least one emitter portion
150 as well as the at least one Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151 can visualize, image, and/or provide
information which can thereupon be analyzed, displayed, computed,
and/or processed, etc. Certain embodiments of the at least one
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 can include, but is
not limited to, at least one detector portion 152 and/or the at
least one display portion 154. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider may
allow the visualization, image, or information provided to be
captured and/or combined based at least partially on:
deconvolution, transform (e.g., integral transform, inverse Fourier
transform, inverse FFT, etc.), image subtraction, weighted
subtraction, functional subtraction, weighted subtraction,
functional subtraction, inverse integral transform, subtractive
inverse integral transform, inverse functional transform, and
subtractive inverse functional transform, or other such processes
or computations. Such visualization, imaging, or information
providing may occur either on a one time, multiple times,
repetitive, continuous, or other similar basis, perhaps in an
as-programmed, user controlled, as-desired, or other suitable
manner.
[0070] Within this disclosure, deconvolution techniques can be used
to limit or reduce the obscuring effect(s) of depth of matter,
tissue, X-ray opaque matter, noise, etc. as applied to cloud
desired images, etc. As such, deconvolution can be used to clarify
the visualization(s), image(s), and/or provided information.
Deconvolution techniques and technologies are well established and
understood, and have been in use in certain technological areas
since prior to World War II. Deconvolution is conventionally used
in image processing, signal processing, and other computer-based
imaging techniques. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can utilize
deconvolution, transforms, and other distortion diminishing
techniques. Such distortion diminishing techniques may be used to
limit distorting effects resulting at least partially from, for
example: X-ray opaque matter, obscuring matter, signal noise, etc.
such as to identify or visualize aircraft hidden in clouds, limit
signals and/or images in noisy backgrounds, etc. Other such
distortion-limiting image processing techniques may be applied,
where appropriate, in a manner as would be obvious to one skilled
in the art.
[0071] The "matter" of the human or animal individuals can,
depending upon context include, but is not limited to: tissue,
flesh, muscle, optically opaque tissue, organ(s), bone(s), bone
part(s), hair, bone fragment(s), implant(s), fat, blood vessel(s),
blood capillary(s), skin(s), teeth, epidermis, dermis, brain,
tumors, cysts, contrast agents such as iodinated contrast agents,
gadolinium, certain fluid(s), blood or blood component(s), CSF,
irrigant, IV fluids, water, aqueous solutions, implant materials
such as ceramic, steel, titanium, nitinol, etc. Plant and organism
embodiments can include such matter (naturally occurring or
man-made or applied) that can be imaged, depending on the structure
and/or location being imaged as a portion of, and/or associated
with, the plant or organism.
[0072] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can achieve
relatively high resolution of their depth visualizations, images,
and/or information provided. As such, certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can be configured such that the matter of the at least the
portion of the individual can be inclusively imaged as at least a
portion of the individual 82. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
depth visualization, image, and/or provide information relating to
a considerable number of distinct types of matter as compared with,
for example, certain conventional X-ray techniques.
[0073] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can thereby
visualize, image, and/or provide information relating to such
matter of the at least the portion of the individual as such tissue
as flesh, tissue, muscle, fat, fluid (blood, lymph, spinal fluid,
etc.) in a controllable and/or adjustable manner. In this manner,
an initial depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing can
be performed of a region, and upon locating areas of interest, the
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing can be filtered, processed, analyzed, compared,
transformed, adjusted, magnified, angled, etc. as described in this
disclosure to visualize, image, and/or provide information relating
to desired regions.
[0074] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be used to
visualize, image, and/or provide information relating to the spine
of humans or animals, such as may be the case with certain spinal
surgeons. Such depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing
of spine (as well as associated plates, pins, blood vessels,
muscles, etc.) can be performed prior to, during, and/or following
surgery; and can provide imaging, visualizing, or provide
information of appropriate or desired quality depending on the
desired purpose, equipment, condition, or application. Such Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
following surgery can be provided at one or more suitable angles,
such as to illustrate interaction with plates, pins, constructs,
etc. relative to the spine, associated nerves, bones, and
associated pins, constructs, etc. Those embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100
that are configured to image the matter, spine, bones, tissue,
implants, etc. should be configured based on the desired depth
imaging, depth visualizing, and/or examination, and may be adjusted
and/or controlled, perhaps on a near real time basis.
[0075] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 as described with
respect to the figures, and at other locations through this
disclosure, primarily pertain to displays that can display
visualizations and/or images over various embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151. By comparison,
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100, as described with respect to
FIG. 38 and at other locations through this disclosure, primarily
pertain to displays that can display information in such a form as
text, data, graphs, or other processed information, or a
combination or modification thereof, etc. More particularly, FIG.
38 illustrates an example of text, data, etc. being presented in
other non-image or non-visualization form. The various embodiments
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100, as described in this disclosure, can also include a
graphical user interface, buttons, switches, or other mechanism to
allow a user or individual to provide input as to the
visualization, imaging, or information providing as desired,
suitable, and/or designed. As such, within this disclosure, each of
the terms "visualize", "image", or "provide information" is,
depending on context, intended to be inclusive of each of these
terms.
[0076] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
for a variety of particular applications. The user of certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 may select a particular aspect such as
quality, refresh rate, real-time aspects, resolution, color, etc.
based on the particular task at hand. For example, a doctor
examining a patient's external skin may obtain one or more
visualizations, images, or provided information, or may treat
certain surface aberrations using certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100. Also, a surgeon/user who is using certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 that may be attached, integrated, or otherwise secured to a
surgical tool which can be used in such procedures as cutting,
separating, ablating, deforming, processing, tactile feedback
providing, adding material, removing material, or otherwise
handling matter such as tissue, bone, fluid, blood, etc.
[0077] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may be satisfied
with relatively various quality depth visualizations or images that
can range from very detailed or excellent images to relatively
sketchy images. Detailed images, for example, can provide an
excellent representation of the matter of the at least the portion
of the individual. Relatively sketchy visualizations can be
adequate to indicate a relative position of a desired visualized
item such as a blood vessel, bone, portion, nerve, construct, etc.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be provided at a refresh
rate sufficient rate to operate as desired, or operate a tool in
combination as desired without contacting blood vessels, nerves, or
other matter to be protected within the individual, for example. As
such, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be associated
with a variety of tools, and can be used to assist in deforming,
separating, distorting, guiding, cutting, avoiding, and other such
embodiments of the tools.
[0078] Certain tools that can be associated with, or operatively
coupled to, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can provide tactile
feedback to a user. Such tactile feedback providing tool can be
used particularly in combination with certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100, such as to allow the user to "feel" or "touch" the various
regions of the individual for treatment or examination purposes
(even if only remotely while similarly observing the region). While
tactile feedback mechanisms may not be shown in the figures; this
is generally understood by those skilled in the robotics,
automation, surgical, and other such arts or technical areas.
Certain orthopedic surgeons, etc., who are interested in general
positions of such particular matter as bones, organs, etc. may be
satisfied with depth visualizations and/or images that have limited
resolution or image quality. As such, certain embodiments of the
tactile feedback provider may be considered as "tools" within
certain meanings and/or certain contexts as applied within this
disclosure. Additionally, certain users may select to use certain
scintillator or fluoroscope embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100.
[0079] A user may desire to use certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 to
image, visualize, image, and/or provide information at a
considerable depth into tissue, and/or obtain depth visualizations
or images that may have a high resolution or quality. Certain
visualizations or images that can be produced by certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 may be of similar quality of MRI, CAT
Scans, PET scans, etc. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be
performed relatively quickly as compared with conventional imaging
modalities, such as in certain instances to be applied on a
near-real time basis. The user may thereupon select to use certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 that rely upon consider image processing
to achieve suitable visualization, imaging, or information
providing quality, as described in this disclosure. As such, the
user can select one or more suitable embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider based,
at least in part, on the particular task at hand.
[0080] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be applied from
a variety of embodiments of mechanisms that can be configured to
provide visualization, imaging, or information providing
structures, including depending on context, but not limited to:
platforms, tables, hand-held, endoscopes, attached to or integrated
within a too!, etc. Within this disclosure, the description of the
particular visualization, imaging, or information providing
structure being used is intended to be illustrative in nature but
not limiting in scope. As such, it is intended that a description
of an embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager,
or information provider 100 being applied to a particular
visualization, imaging, or information providing structure may be
applied to other visualization, imaging, or information providing
structures, while remaining within the scope of the present
disclosure, depending on context.
[0081] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can utilize results
from scattering events to determine the amount of energy loss
and/or change in direction of the X-ray photons resulting from
contact (or close interaction) with electrons, neutrons, protons,
or other portions of atoms and/or matter. The energy level
variation (almost always a loss as a result of conservation of
energy principles) of the X-ray photons of the applied X-ray 120
that, upon the scattering event, becomes the scattered X-ray 122,
and the scattered energy level can be used to derive the energy
transfer based on Compton equations as described with respect to
FIG. 2. The scattering angle of the scattered X-ray resulting from
the scattering event, and position of the scattering event, can be
derived based upon a combination of: a) the initial energy level
and trajectory of the applied X-ray, b) the detected position of
the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151, c) the
scattered energy level of the scattered X-ray 122, and d) the
energy loss resulting at least partially from the scattering event.
The scattering angle and position of the scattering events can to
be determined based at least partially on the Compton scattered
X-ray equations used herein, as well as geometric equations. By
compiling a large number of scattering angles and positions of
scattering events by one or more of the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151, an image can be derived having a
continuously improving image quality.
[0082] Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing can be performed using a variety of
mechanisms and involving a variety of techniques. Determination of
the depth within matter of the at least the at least the portion of
the individual that is being visualized, imaged, and/or information
provided, can be at least partially derived involving analytical
determination, computation as well as numerical calculation such as
can be performed by computers and/or controllers; or alternately
can involve experimentation or analysis. Certain aspects of
visualization, imaging, or information providing can be based on
such factors as each particular matter being visualized, imaged, or
information provided, the energy level and/or frequency of the
X-ray photons of the applied X-ray 120 and/or scattered X-ray 122,
and/or other such factors. Certain versions of such visualization,
imaging, or information providing that rely on tomography may
result from generating a series or number of relatively thin
slices, that by being relatively thin can enhance visualizing,
imaging, or image providing consistency or homogeneity across each
slice.
[0083] Consistency of the matter being visualized are imaged across
the thickness can thereby improve imaging quality, especially in
the direction parallel to a direction at which the visualization,
imaging, or image providing be being performed (e.g., through the
thickness of the visualizing, imaging, or information providing
axis slice). Similarly, imaging quality may diminish in certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 as the matter becomes more heterogeneous
across the thickness of the imaging slice. Such visualization,
imaging, or information providing may be taken in a straight,
curved, complex, or some other desired or suitable or desired
shape.
[0084] Certain techniques similar to those that provide slices,
such as used in conventional tomography imaging techniques, can
also be applied to certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100. Certain
embodiments of the slices as can be utilized during visualization,
imaging, and image providing by the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be arranged in
a straight, curved, complex, or some other desired or suitable or
desired shape. Combining a number of the slices, which may be
considered as a three dimensional region of visualizing, imaging,
or information provider having a limited thickness that can be
imaged by the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100, can produce a thicker image of the
particular matter. This disclosure initially describes a variety of
techniques for such Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging,
or information providing.
[0085] Certain embodiments of visualization, imaging, or
information providing can be used to visualize, image, or provide
information within the at least one visualization, imaging, or
information providing depth range to the at least one prescribed
visualization, imaging, or information providing depth (e.g., from
a surface, or alternately spaced from the surface). The actual or
maximum at least one visualization, imaging, or information
providing depth range to the at least one prescribed visualization,
imaging, or information providing depth being visualized, imaged,
or information provided may vary between different embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100, and may be based on particulars of the scattered
X-ray depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing; the
matter undergoing depth visualizing, imaging, or information
providing; as well as the processor characteristics and operation
of the visualization, imaging, or information providing controller
97. Some of the X-ray photons of the applied X-ray scatter to
provide the scattering event wherein the scattered X-ray may
scatter at a depth greater than the at least one substantially
scattered depth range to the at least one prescribed substantially
scattered depth.
[0086] Based on the energy level of the X-ray photons of the
applied X-rays, the number of applied X-rays with the scattering
event occurring at the range of depths greater than the at least
one substantially scattered depth range to the at least one
prescribed substantially scattered depth can, for certain
visualization, imaging, or image providing, can be assumed to be
ignored either computationally, be effectively filtered out,
limited by weighting techniques, or removed using image processing
techniques; or even accepted. Certain visualizations, images, or
provided information can be provided even by ignoring a limited
percentage of deeper scattered X-rays. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can be configured to limit the effects of the X-ray photons of
the Compton scattered X-rays 120 that are returning from the
scattering event occurring through greater depths than the at least
one substantially scatted depth range to the at least one
prescribed substantially scattered depth 170. Additionally, certain
of the depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing effects
of these X-ray photons of the Compton scattered X-rays 120, that
scatter at the range of scattering depths greater than the at least
one substantially scattered depth range to the at least one
prescribed substantially scattered depth, can be included with at
least some of the distorting effects either ignored, filtered,
and/or otherwise limited using image processing techniques,
deconvolution, and other techniques.
[0087] Another embodiment of Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing can control or adjust the depth
visualizing, imaging, or information providing at least partially
by increasing, such as by ramping up, the energy of the photons of
the applied X-rays. By changing the energy level or frequency of
the X-ray photons of the applied X-ray 120, the effective range of
visualizing, imaging, or information providing depth to the
prescribed visualizing, imaging, or information providing depth
into the matter of the at least the portion of the individual can
change. As such, the energy level and/or frequency of at least some
of the X-ray photons of the applied X-rays that are being used to
visualize, image, and/or provide information can be tuned as to
effect variation in depth of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing.
[0088] Within this disclosure, the term "individual" can, depending
on context, pertain to a person, animal, plant, organism, of whom
at least a portion thereof is being imaged and/or examined by the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100. The term "user" can, depending on context, pertain to those
persons using and/or operating certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100,
such as, but not limited to: doctors, physicians, dentists,
veterinarians, researchers, assistants, technicians, researchers,
persons performing medical forensics and/or autopsies, users,
and/or other persons, assistants to, derivatives from, etc. who can
view or utilize the visualized, imaged, or information provided
portion of the individual using certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100.
[0089] Within this disclosure, the term "user" can also include, in
addition to the human users as described above: computers,
automated systems, controllers, robotic devices, other devices etc.
that can be used to automate visualization, imaging, providing
information, inspection, or analyzing of certain depth image
information as output by certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100.
Consider, for example, that certain depth image information can be
more readily utilized or processed by computers based on
computer-vision, machine based imaging, machine vision,
machine-based devices, etc. to determine certain aspects thereof.
For example, certain computer-based embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100
that are being associated with surgical tools might be adapted to
quantitatively determine or interpret the relative depth of certain
blood vessels, nerves, etc. Such visualization, imaging, or
information providing may be effective in the vicinity of
non-homogenous matter, for certain embodiments.
[0090] Certain computer-based or machine based embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
may prove quite effective at visualizing, imaging, information
providing, or otherwise analyzing through particular X-ray opaque
matter (perhaps at least partially relying on deconvolution,
transforms, or other such techniques to limit the obscuring
effects). Such techniques may accomplish such tasks as determining
depths of cancer, tumors, bones, or other matter within the
individual, and may thereby limit, reduce, or double-check the
human scanning over large regions of the individual has be
performed. Certain computer based embodiments, (or even
human-vision embodiments) of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
in home-test form, emergency form, task-specific form, relatively
low power form, or even in a form that can be used without the
assistance of a skilled user. As such, within this disclosure, in
certain instances, particularly with certain simplified or devoted
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100, the term "user" can also include the
individual, the individual's family or friend's thereof, and/or
care providers for the individual who can assist in operating
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider for the individual. Certain such
home-test embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider might preferably be used for one,
or a few, devoted purposes such as, but not limited to: mammograms,
cancer or tumor screening, blood flow, tissue aberrations, possible
bone break or tissue tear, etc., as described in this
disclosure.
[0091] Certain computer vision based embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be configured to model certain matter aberrations within the at
least the portion of the individual perhaps using, or without,
deconvolution, transform, or other such techniques. Certain
computer vision based embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider may prove superior to
certain human-vision embodiments in determining extent, dimensions,
degrees, etc. of certain aberrations, such as melanomas, tumors,
cancers, bone growth, etc., the scattered X-rays by using mapping
techniques such as are commonly used in tomography, MRI, and other
conventional imaging techniques.
[0092] Within this disclosure, Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing can, depending on
context, pertain to depth visualizing, imaging, or information
providing of a volume of matter that can have an arbitrary
thickness depending on the desired visualization, imaging, or
information providing application, but may be considered to be
three dimensional. The three dimensional volume (having some
thickness) being visualized, imaged, or information provided can be
at least partially separated from an internal or external surface
such as external skin or membrane, internal lumen, etc. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be positioned at regions adjacent the
surface 168 to provide some location that can be used to relatively
position to visualize, image, and/or provide information relating
to portions of the individual. The surface 168 of the individual
can provide some location at which certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can be positioned, angled, moved, or otherwise displaced to
enhance the visualization, imaging, or information providing. As
such, in certain instances, proximate or adjacent the surface can
provide a good location from which to visualize, image, or provide
information.
[0093] As described with respect to FIG. 1, as well as at other
locations in this disclosure, certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
include, but are not limited to, at least one emitter portion 150
and/or at least one Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151.
Certain embodiments of the at least one emitter portion 150 can be
configured to emit or direct at least some applied X-rays 120
toward the at least the portion of the individual 82. Certain
embodiments of the at least one emitter portion 150 can be
adjustable and/or controllable such as to be able to respectively
control and/or adjust generation and/or direction of the applied
X-rays being applied to the at least some matter of the at least
the portion of the individual. At least some of the applied X-rays
are thereupon scattered within the scattering event to form the
scattered X-rays, which can thereupon be received by the at least
one Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151. Certain
embodiments of the at least one emitter portion 150 can be used to
adjust or control the at least one visualizing, imaging, or
information providing within the at least one visualization,
imaging, or information providing depth range to the at least one
prescribed visualization, imaging, or information providing depth
of certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100. Within this disclosure, the
applied X-ray 120 or the scattered X-ray 122 can include (e.g.,
comprise) a number of X-ray photons whose characteristic energy
level and/or frequency can dictate the characteristics of the X-ray
beams.
[0094] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151 can be configured to detect at least some Compton
scattered X-rays 122 being Compton scattered from the at least the
portion of the individual 82. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 can operate based, at least
in part, by receiving scattered X-rays 122 from a first Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100
scattered of scattering of events from applied X-rays 120 that were
generated by a different Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 are controllable
and/or adjustable such as to be able to respectively control and/or
adjust the characteristics of the at least some Compton scattered
X-rays 122 that can be detected. Certain embodiments of the at
least one Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 can
include, but is not limited to, each, or any combination of the at
least one detector portion 152 and/or the at least one display
portion 154.
[0095] The operation of certain embodiments of emitter portion 150
and/or the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 may be at
least partially controlled or adjusted utilizing at least partially
by the visualization, imaging, or information providing controller
97, as described in this disclosure (although certain embodiments
utilize relatively little or no control and/or adjustment). Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151
can visualize, image, and/or provide information relating to the at
least the portion of the individual 82 based, at least in part, on
detecting the Compton scattered X-rays 122 Compton scattered from
the at least the portion of the individual. The structure and
operation of certain illustrative, but non-limiting, embodiments of
each of the respective at least one emitter portion elements 150,
at least one Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151, at
least one detector portion elements 152, and/or at least one
display portion elements 154 are described in considerable detail
in this disclosure, including the specification, claims, and/or
figures.
[0096] The potential variety of visualization, imaging, or
information providing, as described in this disclosure, can
indicate the variety of potential embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100
which can vary in complexity from relatively simple probes to
relatively complex systems. More complex systems can include arrays
of a considerable number of the emitter portion(s) 150 and/or a
considerable number of the scattered X-ray receiving assemblies
151. The different embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be arranged in
a variety of suitable configurations. Certain embodiments of the
scattered X-ray receiving assemblies 151 can be used to determine a
location of scattering events based at least partially on the
applied X-ray energy level, position, and trajectory of the applied
X-ray 120, as well as the scattered X-ray location and energy level
of the scattered X-ray 122. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100
can, depending on context, be fabricated using a range of devices,
systems, or fabrication techniques ranging from distinct components
to semiconductor processing, and may involve suitable image
processing, hardware, and/or software, etc. to perform suitable
image deconvolution, transforms, filtering, modulation, etc.
[0097] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 are configured to
operate in association with at least one tool portion relative to,
for example, at least some matter of the at least the portion of
the individual. The particular component and/or configuration
selected may depend, at least in part, on the application of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 and/or the associated tool. For instance, certain embodiments
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can be associated with a particular tool, including
but not limited to: a cutting tool, a scalpel, a gamma knife, a
laser cutter, a tactile feedback provider, an ablator, a scope, a
Bovie electrocautery device, a material adding tool, a material
removing tool, etc. such as to allow a user to search, image, or
visualize within a particular region for a specific component,
chemical, etc. as a tool-based process is being performed. Such
imaging, visualization, or information providing may be used
relative to the location of blood vessels, cancer, tumors, organs,
etc. Alternately, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be
configured to detect, visualize, image, and/or provide information
relative to an area of potential interest, such as a field of
surgical operation, within the at least the portion of the
individual in which at least the at least the portion of the
individual.
[0098] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 being
configured to have one or a few emitter portion(s) 150, as well as
one or a few scattered X-ray receiving assemblies 151. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151
may utilize suitable X-ray detection such as depth subtraction or
combination, time of flight, and/or scintillator (and/or
fluoroscope) aspects, as described in this disclosure. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can operate, by at least one of the
emitter portion(s) 150 emitting the X-ray photons of the applied
X-rays 120. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can operate along a
specific direction or prescribed depth into the at least some
matter of the at least the portion of the individual that can
scatter upon the scattering events within the matter of the at
least the portion of the individual. Certain scintillator or other
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can utilize convolution or deconvolution,
one or more transforms and/or inverse transforms, and/or other
techniques to increase imaging quality of visualizing, imaging, or
information providing, etc. through X-ray opaque or other matter.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can provide an image
deconvolution operation that can clarify between scattered X-rays
returning to the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151
from a number of separated, but closely aligned, scattering
events.
[0099] A number of X-ray photons can be expected to scatter within
the at least one substantially scattered depth range to the at
least one prescribed substantially scattered depth at least
partially from the scattered X-ray. The particulars of the at least
one substantially scattered depth range to the at least one
prescribed substantially scattered depth will correspond, at least
in part, on the energy level of the X-ray photons (which
corresponds to the frequency of the X-ray photons of the applied
X-rays 120). It might be desirable to simplify at least certain of
the embodiments or applications of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100. Simplification
might be for such purposes as to reduce expenses, simplifying image
processing or system computations, focusing on depth visualizing a
single or a few aberrations, such as melanomas, tumors, cancers,
tissue edges, blood pools, blood vessels, liquids, organ edges,
tissue matter change delineations, etc.
[0100] Certain of such embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to image a particular material, element, chemical, fluid, fluid
flow, solid, or other detectable aspect. For instance, certain of
these embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be attached to a probe,
tool, cutter, tactile feedback provider, laser device, Bovie
electrocautery, separator, visualizer, imager, etc.
[0101] Certain tool-based embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 could be
placed on the end of a probe that is inserted into the body. For
example, as a probe or other tool passes through tissue (e.g.,
brain, heart, or other organ or even flesh, muscle, etc.) an alarm
that could be audio, video, or other can be set off which notifies
the user that the probe is coming into close proximity to a blood
vessel or other sensitive location. Another example is this could
be part of a drill (e.g., such as could be used to penetrate the
pedicle of the spine or by a dentist), such as it could notify the
user if the drill tip is coming into too close proximity to
adjacent vital structures such as a nerve root, spinal canal, or
artery. Still another example is that this is attached to an
electrocautery instrument that will terminate current flow when the
instrument is passing too close to defined danger zones such as
blood vessel, nerve, vital organ structure, etc.
[0102] Certain surgeons operating in a manner to avoid blood
vessels, nerves, etc. (while often necessary to keep their patient
healthy and/or alive) can be slow and/or laborious in certain
circumstances, and can considerably extend the duration of
operations. The presence of blood vessels, nerves, etc. in
locations where surgeons may not clearly see via their tools due to
a skewering matter, tissue, bones, etc., can also result in
additional risks to the patients (e.g., individuals). Surgeons
attempting to operate too quickly can risk the likelihood of
injury, or even death, to their patients by contacting, severing,
or rupturing their blood vessels, nerves, brain tissue, or other
organ and/or matter. Allowing a surgeon to detect blood vessels,
nerves, spinal portions, sensitive tissue, etc. can be utilized in
an attempt to operate in, or negotiate around, a sensitive matter
or region without contacting the sensitive matter or region by, for
example, visualizing, imaging, providing information, the sensitive
matter or region. Such allowing surgeons to effectively determine
relative locations of tools, etc. to sensitive matter or regions
could therefore be expected to increase the rate at which surgeons
might safely be able to operate while safely negotiating past the
sensitive matters or regions within the individual, as well as
increasing the rate at which they can safely and accurately
operate.
[0103] If more than one emitter portion 150 are operating, then
there should be some mechanism to limit confusion between the
applied X-rays provided by each emitter portion as detected by
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151. Such differentiation or combination of scattered
X-rays at each Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151
between the applied X-rays 120 being generated by each of the
emitter portions 151 can rely on, for example: altering the
transmission time, coding of the carrier signal, differentiating
signal weightings, shifting frequency of the applied X-rays 120
between the different ones of the applied X-rays, altering the
energy levels of the photons altering the pulse durations of the
applied X-rays, etc. as described in this disclosure. Otherwise
differentiating each of the applied X-rays 120, and/or the
directing at least certain ones of the applied X-rays 120 in a
different direction along non-interfering directions and sets of
potential scattering events, such that the scattered X-rays
returning from different scattering events can be distinguished
from each other each other. Such techniques similar to
deconvolution, inverse transforms, time division multiplexing,
frequency division multiplexing, code division multiplexing, etc.
(which are known to those skilled in the communications arts) can
be utilized to distinguish between, or clarify, different applied
X-rays being received by different emitter portion this 150, and
thereby limit interference at the at least one Compton scattered
X-ray receiving assembly 151 between multiple ones of the scattered
X-rays scattered from different scattering events.
[0104] FIG. 4 illustrates another embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100
that can be configured with one or more of the emitter portions
150, as well as one or more Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assemblies 151 (similar to as described with regards to FIG. 3 to
that illustrates only one emitter portion). Multiple ones of the
emitter portion 150 may, or may not be, arranged in a desirable
associated relative configuration, such as at least one array,
conforming to the matter, etc. Certain embodiments of the emitter
portions 150 can be configured to emit the applied X-rays 120 (as
well as the scattered X-rays 122) in a manner that can be
differentiated from other ones (as well as other scattered X-rays
122) based at least partially on deconvolution, transforms, time
multiplexing, frequency multiplexing, code division multiplexing,
directing of a variety of X-ray beams such as pencil beams, fan
beams, etc. to a desired location, and/or other such scattering
event differentiating techniques, use of collimators, lenses,
filters, etc. For example, certain embodiments of the multiple
emitter portions 150 can emit their applied X-ray at different
deconvolution or transform characteristics at different times,
having different frequencies, with different weightings, or based
on different coding algorithms such as is generally understood with
a variety of multiplexing techniques. Certain such embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 may be utilized as a visualizer having limited
resolution; and may provide especially useful in conjunction with a
tool as to provide visualization, imaging, or information providing
for blood vessels, cancer, or other aberrations to visualization,
imaging, or information providing as described in this
disclosure.
[0105] Certain embodiments of the one or more Compton scattered
X-ray receiving assemblies 151 can include a streak camera, a
pixellated streak camera, an avalanche detector, a CCD device, or
other device that can detect the presence, energy level, and/or
condition of scattered X-rays, preferably at a suitable rate to
provide the desired resolution. Certain embodiments of the streak
camera and/or the pixellated streak camera might be configured to
act quite quickly, and certain ones can function in the low or
fractional picosecond range, such as may be particularly useful for
time of flight calculations.
[0106] Certain embodiments of Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can include one or more
collimated (e.g., "pencil", "fan", or other) beam of the applied
X-rays 120, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4. Certain embodiments of
these beams can scan the at least the portion of the individual in
two directions while the one or more scattered X-ray receiving
assemblies 151 can measure the Compton scattered X-rays resulting
from the interactions of the primary X-rays with the bodily
tissues. A variety of depth visualizing and/or imaging information,
particular to a given 3-D voxel within the display of the one or
more scattered X-ray receiving assemblies 151, can be derived using
the two-dimensionally scanned X-ray beams, which can be detected in
several ways as described herein.
[0107] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can utilize
time-resolved detection of the scattered X-rays 122. Here, the
time-of-return, .DELTA.t, of each scattered X-ray from a scattering
event corresponding uniquely to a position, x, along the
illuminating collimated X-ray beam, such that:
x=A*.DELTA.t+B (1)
[0108] where A and B are proportionality constants determined by
the relative location of the illuminating X-ray beam and the X-ray
detector. There can be a sufficient temporal pause (or other time,
spatial, or coding technique understood by those skilled in
multiplexing) between illumination at specific 2-D ray angles to
limit scattered signal confusion between multiple ones of the
scattered X-ray is received at each Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151. If determined to be significant, the
background from multiple scattered X-rays can be reduced by adding
energy discrimination to the detector, since each scattering event
results in a reduction in X-ray photon energy levels. For example,
energy is lost by the moving X-ray photon particle during
collisions with other moving particles forming the matter of the at
least the portion of the individual, that can be described based on
Newton's equation, Compton's equation, as well as other geometric
or other equations, as described in this disclosure or elsewhere
but generally known.
[0109] By scanning the body repeatedly in one, two, or three
orthogonal directions, but at varying energies so that the
radiation penetrates progressively more or less deeply so
scattering events can occur up to a progressively respectively
deeper, or shallower, prescribed depth. Thereupon, a model (which
may be three or two dimensional) of the subcutaneous bodily
structures can be progressively refined by comparing it to the
time-integrated backscattered X-ray return from each illuminating
beam angle and then performing a de-convolution similar to those
used in tomography imaging. In addition to helping provide depth
discrimination, such progressive illumination at different energies
can reveal differences in the absorption and/or scattering
characteristics of various scattering events occurring in
particular matter. The value of the scattering characteristics of a
scattering event can be an enhanced or diminished, in certain
instances, by adding contrast agent, etc., such as to increase the
contrast of the resulting image. In certain instances, the energy
level of the applied X-ray can be increased, decreased, ramped,
and/or otherwise altered (preferably in a gradual and/or
predictable manner as described elsewhere in this disclosure, such
that changes in the energy level will have little effect on imaging
distortion) such as to allow adjustability or control of the
visualizing, imaging, or information providing by certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100.
[0110] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to operate in some controlled combination of the techniques as
described in this disclosure.
[0111] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can therefore be
configured to visualize, image, and/or provide information at least
partially by employing a nearly monochromatic illuminating X-ray
"pencil" beam, flooding beam, fan-beam, scanning beam, or other
such emitter portion 150. The location of the scattering events
along one or more of the beam of the applied X-ray (in which, in
certain instances, multiple ones thereof can be intersected to
increase the intensity) can be determined where the X-ray photon of
the scattering X-ray scatters based on the unique relation between
the change in its wavelength, .DELTA..lamda., and its scattering
angle, .theta.. For the usual case of the scattering events for
each once-scattered X-ray photon, the change in wavelength of the
X-ray photon upon scattering is given by the Compton formula:
.DELTA..lamda.=h(1-cos .theta.)/mc (2)
[0112] where h is Planck's constant, m, the mass of the electron,
and c, the speed of light.
[0113] If necessary, time resolution, directional resolution,
deconvolution, or other such image combination techniques can be
added to at least certain of the approaches, as described in this
disclosure, to assist in suppressing background noise or other
distorted affects from scattered X-rays emanating from scattering
events. Such image combination techniques can include, but are not
limited to, image subtraction, image differentiation, image
transformation, deconvolution, weighted subtraction, functional
subtraction, and group including inverse integral transform,
subtractive inverse integral transform, inverse functional
transform, and subtractive inverse functional transform, or other
image processing techniques.
[0114] A number of other embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 are described,
which can be configured to determine the location of scattering at
least partially based on some characteristics of the scattered
X-rays being received at the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151. FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100
that are configured with one or more of the emitter portions 150,
and/or one or more of the scattered X-ray receiving assemblies 151.
Consider that certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assemblies 151 can be configured with one or more of the
emitter portions 150, as well as one or more scattered Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assemblies 151. The one or more emitter
portion 150, as described with respect to FIG. 5, can be configured
as a pencil beam emitter, a fan emitter, or other emitter that can
controllably direct the applied X-rays 120 as desired or designed
in a particular path or direction and/or we associated X-ray
photons having a particular energy level. For example, if there are
a number of the one or more emitter portion(s) 150, then each one
may be configured or designed to emit the X-rays along a
controllable direction, time, angle, depth, etc. such as to not
interfere with others.
[0115] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
and/or designed such that the applied X-ray 120 of FIG. 5 can be
directed along an emitted X-ray path 120', that extends
substantially continuously in a prescribed direction. While FIG. 5
illustrates the applied X-ray 120 being substantially perpendicular
across the surface into the matter of the at least the portion of
the individual, some other angle can be provided with the surface
as well, and still comply with Compton equations as described with
respect to FIG. 2. At least one Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151 (illustrated in FIG. 5 as an array of receiving
assemblies) is situated at an angle relative to the applied X-ray
120, and can thereby be configured to receive a variety of
scattered X-rays 122', 122'', etc. that have been scattered at a
variety of illustrative locations 152', 152'', etc. that have been
scattered from a scattering event situated along the path of the
applied X-ray 120. The location of each scattering events 152',
152'' can be situated along the path of the applied X-ray 120, can
be determined based, at least in part, on scattering angle,
.theta..sub.1 and .theta..sub.2, etc., the X-ray photons of the
scattered X-ray can exhibit at different energy level
(corresponding to different X-ray photon frequency). For example,
the greater the scattering angle .theta. (such as .theta..sub.1 and
.theta..sub.2 in FIG. 5), the greater the associated energy loss.
As such, based on the energy level of the X-ray photon within the
scattered X-ray 122, the scattering angle .theta. (such as
.theta..sub.1 and .theta..sub.2 in FIG. 5), as well as the
scattering events location 152', 152'', can be derived utilizing
equation 2, as described above. Various embodiments of various
computations, certain ones as described in this disclosure, can be
used to locate the position of the scattering events 152', 152'',
etc., can be derived based at least in part on deconvolution,
transforms, etc. to provide geometric visualization, imaging, or
information providing techniques, etc. a number of one, two, or
three-dimensional arrays of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151 can be arranged to about the applied X-ray 120, in a
manner to enhance the determination of the position of the
scattering events 152', 152''. Such determination can be based at
least in part on the location of the multiple received arrays of
the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151.
[0116] The FIG. 5 embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151 can be used to derive at least one position
of the scattering event 152 in which X-ray photons of the applied
X-ray 120 is scattered such as by contact, or traveling close to:
atoms, electrons, neutrons, or other such matter. The embodiment of
the emitter portion 150 as described with respect to FIG. 6 can be
similar, or identical, to those embodiments as described with
respect to FIGS. 1 to 9, as well as other locations in this
disclosure. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151, as described with respect to FIG. 6, can
include a slit collimator 172 or other such device that can limit
the angle at which scattered X-rays can reach the Compton scattered
X-ray receiving assembly 151. Certain embodiments of the collimator
can also be configured as a lens, filter, correlator, or other
device that can be used to limit passage of the scattered X-rays to
the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 to only within a
range of degrees, etc. Certain embodiments of the slit collimator,
lens, filter, etc. could be provided between the path of the
applied X-ray 120' and the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151. Those scattered X-rays being applied from the
position of the scattering event of the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151 will only be detected if flowing in a
direction substantially aligned with the slits of the slit
collimator. The structure and use of slit collimators, lenses,
filters, etc. are generally understood by those skilled in the
optics, X-ray, electromagnetics, and other similar areas; and will
not be further described in this disclosure. Alternate types of
collimators, lenses, filters, etc. that can limit the passage of
the scattered X-rays to those within an angular range such as to
detect scattering events within that angular range may also be
utilized.
[0117] Only one slit is shown in the slit collimator 172 as
illustrated in FIG. 6. One or more of the slits of the slit
collimator 172 can be arranged, such as to be aligned with only a
particular element of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151. While a single slit collimator is described with
respect. to FIG. 6, it is to be understood that multiple slit
collimators can be respectively associated with at least one unit
of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151. In addition,
utilizing one or more of a variety of technologies that are
generally understood, the scattered X-rays can be steered, beam
formed, or otherwise directed in a manner as desired or
appropriate. By using the embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151 as described with respect to FIG. 6,
location of one or more scattering events occurring along one more
applied X-rays 120 can be determined.
[0118] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as described with
respect to FIG. 7, can be configured such that the Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 can be steered or directed
in a plane perpendicular to that of the which the Compton scattered
X-ray receiving assembly can sense the position of the scattering
event. For example, the paths of the applied X-rays 120 as shown in
FIG. 2 are extending in a direction substantially perpendicular to
the paper, while in FIGS. 1, 3-6, etc. the path of the applied
X-ray 120 extend substantially within the plane of the paper.
Certain ones of the scattering event detection, imaging,
visualizing, and/or information providing mechanisms, as described
above, may utilize such exemplary mechanisms to determine the
position of the scattering event as: subtraction or combination,
deconvolution, transforms, time of flight, scattering angle, loss
of energy level of the X-ray photons of the scattering X-rays,
geometric scattering computation, collimator, other derivatives,
etc., and other locations through this disclosure. Each Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 as described with respect to
FIG. 7 includes a scanning shield portion 178, which can be
configured to limit light passing to that within certain angular
ranges. More specifically, provided that there are an array, or a
number of, the applied X-rays 120, then the scanning shield portion
178 can limit passage of only one or a number of applied X-rays 120
at any one time period. Certain embodiments of the scanning shield
portion 178 and/or the emitter portion(s) 150 can be dynamic, such
as being rotatable; or alternately limit passage of only one or
certain applied X-rays 120 continuously if the scanning shield
portion 178 and the emitter portion(s) 150 are fixed or static.
[0119] As such, certain embodiments of the at least one slit
collimator 172, as described with respect to FIG. 6, can be viewed
as limiting scattered X-rays 122 scattered from the applied X-ray
120, and passing to the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
151 in a directional substantially parallel to an axial direction
of the applied X-ray 120. By comparison, certain embodiments of the
scanning shield portion 178, as described with respect to FIG. 7,
can be viewed as limiting scattered X-rays 122 which have been
scattered from the applied X-ray 120, and passing to the Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151, in a directional
substantially perpendicular to an axial direction of the applied
X-ray 120. Both the scanning shield portion 178 as described with
respect to FIG. 7, and the slit collimator 172 as described with
respect to FIG. 6, can be viewed as embodiments of collimators,
since they both limit passage of the scattered X-rays from
scattering events that are situated within an angular range to the
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151. In addition, the
material forming the housing material (as compared to the slits
which may be air, or some X-ray transmissive material) of the
scanning shield portion 178 and the slit collimator 172 should
limit passage of X-rays there through, such as to limit screened
X-rays from being applied to the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151.
[0120] Within this disclosure, both the scanning shield portion 178
and the slit collimator 172 are intended to be illustrative in
nature, but not limiting in scope. It is envisioned that certain
processes as performed by either the scanning shield portion 178
and/or the slit collimator 172 could also be configured as a lens,
a filter, a beamformer, or other electromagnetic or X-ray type
mechanism, etc. As such, certain embodiments of the scanning shield
portion 178 could limit passage of the scattered X-rays being
applied to the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 to
within a range of angles, etc.
[0121] It is generally understood that with certain
electromagnetic, optical, and/or X-ray technologies, certain
operations can be performed utilizing two or more devices and/or
their associated technique(s). Such devices, or technique, are
often considered as equivalents, each of which is able to perform
the desired function, operation, or technique. As such, certain
embodiments of the collimator 172, scanning shield portion 178,
etc. can be performed either by the device as described herein, or
other generally known electromagnetic, optical, or X-ray equivalent
devices and/or modifications thereof. Such generally equivalent
devices are known by those skilled in the art can be utilized, and
are intended to remain within the scope of the present
disclosure.
[0122] This disclosure thereby illustrates a number of exemplary
mechanisms (and associated techniques of certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151) which can
geometrically, computationally, or otherwise derive position of the
scattering events within some matter. Such deriving the positions
of the scattering events can be based at least in part on
characteristics of at least some scattered X-rays 122 (while
assuming a static or predictable applied X-ray).
[0123] Considering the embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 as described with
respect to FIG. 10, the at least one emitter portion 150 (as
described with respect to FIG. 1) can at least partially utilize
the applied X-ray 120 having its energy level that can be used to
detect a position of the scattering event. Certain embodiments of
the at least one emitter portion 150 can direct the applied X-ray
120 as to contact a contributing X-ray, beam, or other
electromagnetic radiation beam 590 (which may include, but is not
limited to, another applied X-ray having a prescribed energy level)
as described with respect to FIG. 10. Such a contributing X-ray can
alter the intensity of the applied X-ray by allowing the applied
X-ray 120 to interfere (e.g., constructively or otherwise) with the
contributing X-ray, beam, or other electromagnetic radiation beam
590, to at least partially form in identifiable intersection point
592. As evidenced by the enhanced scattered X-ray 122 that can be
selectively viewed by certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray receiving assembly 151, the enhanced scattered X-ray will
have an improved illumination corresponding to the increased energy
level, as compared with the corresponding scattered X-ray resulting
either from either applied X-ray 120 alone, or alternately the
contributing X-ray, beam, or other electromagnetic radiation beam
590 alone.
[0124] Additionally, crossing or merging the applied X-ray 120 as
to contact a contributing X-ray, beam, or other electromagnetic
radiation beam 590 can enhance the probability of the scattering
event 152 occurring within the matter of the at least a portion of
the individual within the point of intersection 592. Increasing the
probability of the scattering event can thereupon improve the
visualizing, imaging, or information providing associated with the
location of the scattering event 152. Within this embodiment of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100, the point of intersection 592 can thereby correspond to the
location of the scattering event 152. The enhanced illumination
resulting from the point of intersection 592 can be filtered,
amplified, and/or otherwise processed as to further ease in
display, visualization, information providing, imaging, etc. A
conventional gamma knife (as generally understood in the medical
technologies) can represent a cutting or destructing tool by which
multiple gamma rays intersect as to provide a region of increased
or combined energy, which can thereupon be detected in the form of
a stronger applied X-ray 122, as described in this disclosure.
[0125] FIG. 11, for example, illustrates an embodiment of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 that can be used for spatially confined imaging in which the
output from the scattering event 152. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 are X-ray associated
with a collimator 172 or 178, as described with respect to FIGS. 6
or 7 in this disclosure. As such, certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 will only be able to
detect scattered X-rays scattering from scattering events 152 that
are within a spatially confined region. As such, certain
embodiments of the emitter portion 150 can be configured as pencil
beams, fan beams, flooding beams, or as having other beam
configurations. However, each applied X-ray provided by the emitter
portion 150 could be directed within the spatially confined imaging
region (of the scattering event) such as to illuminate that region
sufficiently such that the scattered X-ray can be detected by the
associated Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151.
[0126] For the combination of any of the one or more emitter
portion 150 and any of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assemblies 151 as described in this disclosure, a variety of
scattered X-ray, applied X-ray, matter, and other parameters can be
determined that can be stored in a database, etc., and thereupon be
used to derive the location of the position of the scattering
events 152', and/or 152'', etc. along the applied X-ray path 120'
as described with respect to FIG. 5 utilizing known geometric,
material, X-ray, and other calculations. Since certain scattering
of the applied X-ray photons 120 can be intermitted at certain ones
of the position of the scattering events 152', 152'', etc.; the
visualization, imaging, or information providing parameters at the
various positions of the scattering events can be intermittently
obtained. As the X-ray photons of the applied X-rays scatter at
each position of the scattering event based on Compton scattered
X-ray, the visualization, imaging, or information providing
parameters of each position of the scattering event 152', and/or
152'', such as can be used to image there from, and can be
determined.
[0127] The relative angle and/or position of the applied X-rays 120
can thereby be determined, derived, or computed based at least in
part on the angle of the one or more emitter portion from each
particular scattering event location 152', 152'', etc. The
frequency (or the energy level which corresponds to the frequency)
of the X-ray photons forming the applied X-rays 120 can be
determined based at least in part on the known or determined input
frequency to the one or more emitter portion 150 (or the measured
output). The angle of the scattered X-ray photons being received by
the one or more Compton scattered X-ray receiving assemblies 151
can be determined based at least in part on the original path of
the applied X-ray, as well as the scattered frequency of at least
some of the X-ray photons of the scattered X-rays.
[0128] Certain visualization, imaging, or information providing
techniques can rely of generation of image information or
visualization information that can represent data or other form of
information. Such data, text, information, etc. can be stored or
maintained in a database storage, processed using understood image
processing techniques, etc., such as described with respect to
certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or information
providing controller 97 as described with respect to FIG. 1.
[0129] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can visualize,
image, and/or provide information at least partially by making 2-D
scans from different "vantage points" outside the body, detecting
the time-integrated X-ray return signal from each 2-D
X-ray/vantage-point combination, and doing a tomography-like
reconstruction of such as depth-related 3-D structure as described
with respect to FIGS. 12a, 12b, and 13.
[0130] FIGS. 12a and 12b illustrate two views of one embodiment of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 which can be configured to just and/or controlled in
imaging perspective by which the angle of the scattered X-ray
changes from 122a, 122b, 122c, as indicated by an arrow 127, can be
used to image the portion of the individual. During the
visualization, imaging, and/or information providing, as described
with respect to FIG. 12a, a variety of image information (similar
in certain ways to conventional tumble graphic imaging or
volumetric imaging techniques) can be derived. However, there can
also be a considerable amount of information that can be determined
based upon the scattering of the applied X-rays from a certain
direction, or a limited range of directions. For example, a depth
of the tissue aberration (or other tomography-type feature) 128 is
largely uncertain during the visualization, imaging, or information
providing as described with respect to FIG. 12a as a result of the
relative direction in which the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151 receives the scattered X-rays.
[0131] As the angle of the scattered X-ray continues to increases
through an angle, as described with respect to FIG. 12b as 122d,
122e, and 122f, the depth determination or extent of the feature
128 (using volumetric, tomographic, or other such techniques) can
be improved as the angle of the scattered X-ray continued to
increase. As such, the depth can be more readily and accurately be
determined as the angle of the scattered X-ray increases from
perpendicular. Such dimensions, extends, etc. of the features can
be determined to more fully and accurately map the visualization,
image, or provided information relative to the matter of the at
least a portion of the individual, such as: tissue, tissue
aberrations, organs, edge features, bones, constructs, inserts,
bony portions, fluid or blood vessels, reservoirs, pooling,
etc.
[0132] While the imaging perspective described with respect to
FIGS. 12a and 12b can be used to adjust or control the angle of the
scattered X-rays relative to matter of the least to portion of the
individual, there can be a variety of other imaging perspectives
that can be similarly adjusted, controlled, and/or otherwise
utilized. For instance, the at least in the portion of the
individual could be moved relative to the applied X-ray and/or the
scattered X-ray. As the field of view of the visualization,
imaging, or information provided is zoomed, focused, filtered,
transformed, or otherwise modified to provide other "new" or
"modified" (e.g., and/or adjusted or controlled) information, such
new or modified information can be added to the enhanced the model,
visualization, image, or information; such new or modified
information can be compared with the original information to
provide a more accurate or detailed model, visualization, image, or
information. The techniques used for adjustment and/or control of
the visualization, imaging, or information providing, certain ones
of which are described relative to FIGS. 42 through 45, can be used
to improve a quality of visualization, imaging, or information
provided based on a variety of vantage points, and can be utilized
for tomography or volumetric-type imaging.
[0133] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can thereby be
configured to provide tomography visualization, imaging, or
information providing. The tomography provided would be expected to
be similar to the tomography provided by other imaging mopdalities
such as CAT scans, PET scans, and MRI, with the exception that
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider would image matter to the
prescribed imaging depth. Other embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, by
comparison, would be expected to image through the matter of the at
least some matter of the at least the portion of the individual.
Additionally, the embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can generally
utilize Compton scattering, as compared to transmissive X-rays as
with CAT scans, transmissive positrons as with PET scans, and
magnetic fields as with MRI. Each imaging modality would therefore
be expected to visualize, image, of provide information somewhat
differently with potentially somewhat different output (either with
or without the use of contrast agents).
[0134] FIG. 13 show a flowchart 1300 of one embodiment of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 that can be configured to provide a tomography-type and/or
volumetric visualization, image, or information in a manner that
includes illustrative, but not limiting, processes 1302, 1304,
1306, and/or 1308. Process 1302 can include, but is not limited to,
visualizing, imaging, or deriving at least a first set of
visualizations, images, or information. For example, certain
visualization, image, or provided information (e.g., relatively
crude in certain instances) can be obtained using certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 as described in this disclosure. Process
1304 can include, but is not limited to, controlling or adjusting
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 such as to visualize, image, or obtain "additional"
information. Process 1306 can include, but is not limited to,
operating the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 to capture, or otherwise obtain, the new
information, such as to allow imaging from a modified vantage
point. Process 1308 can include, but is not limited to, obtaining a
more detailed or final visualization, image, or information by
tomographically or volumetrically integrating the additional
information. As such, viewing certain regions from different
perspectives, such as to limit unknowns and uncertainties in the
visualization, imaging, or provided information as the
tomogreaphic-type embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 change some aspect
(e.g., energy level, direction, depth, etc) in a manner as to
improve the quality of the visualizing, imaging, or information
providing.
[0135] Certain scintillation, time of flight, energy loss, and
image combination type embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can generally
provide their final-quality visualization, image, or provided
information based on processing of each interaction of the at least
one emitter portion 150 and its associated at least onhe Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151. By comparison, certain
tomographic or volumetric embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 have a
considerable number of unknowns following each interaction of the
at least one emitter portion 150 and its associated at least onhe
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151, wherein such
unknowns are generally reduced or limited using tomographic or
volumetric techniques, in a similar manner as with conventional
tomography, as generally understood in the medical imaging
technologies.
[0136] Certain tomography or volumetric aspects of certain
embodiments (or output) of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can therefore be quite similar
in processing characteristics to those of conventional tomography
imagers, such as CAT scans, PET scans, etc. (such that they can
result from generating a number of two-dimensional slices). The
slices are typically, but not necessarily, planar. The slices can
thereupon be combined to allow information of any three-dimensional
volumetric image in a similar manner as with conventional CAT
scans, MRIs, etc. Depending upon the desired configuration, a
variety of shapes, Compton or other configurations of slices can be
generated. Within this disclosure, volumetric imaging may,
depending upon context, be considered as including tomography. A
description of conventional tomography or volumetric imaging
devices, etc., such as may be utilized for conventional medical
visualizing, imaging, or information providing, are described, for
example, in X-ray 13 of "The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging,
Second Edition", J. T. Bushburg, et al., Lippincott Williams and
Wilkins, 2002 (incorporated by reference herein in its entirety).
Such conventional tomography devices are commercially available and
is not described in greater detail.
[0137] Is the understood that certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may
rely upon the adjustment and/or control to affect imaging of new
matter of new directions, locations, positions, energy levels, etc.
Such adjustment or control may be useful for tomography-type
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing.
[0138] Certain embodiments of the deconvolution and/or tomography
processes necessary to perform such operations can be considered as
computationally similar to those used in normal X-ray CT scans,
except that scattered instead of transmitted X-rays are detected
(instead of the X-rays being transmitted through the individual as
is the case with conventional CT scans as compared with X-rays
undergoing Compton scattering as described in this disclosure).
[0139] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can visualize,
image, and/or provide information at least partially by use of an
angle-collimated X-ray detector such that the intersection of the
illuminating beam and detector sensitivity direction can define a
unique 3-D voxel as described with respect to FIG. 5. Such
angle-collimated X-ray detectors can be used to derive
visualization, imaging, or information providing information in the
one or more Compton scattered X-ray receiving assemblies 151.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can visualize, image, and/or
provide information at least partially by combinations of the
embodiments described elsewhere in this disclosure, that allows
visualization, imaging, or information providing at higher
resolution and/or higher contrast information from the subcutaneous
bodily structures.
[0140] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can control the
depth to which it can image based, at least in part, on photons
energy level of the applied X-ray as applied to the matter of the
at least the portion of the individual. The greater the energy
level of the photons of the applied X-rays (and correspondingly the
lesser the frequency of the photons of the applied X-ray 120),
generally the greater depth a larger percentage of the applied
X-ray can travel into the matter of the at least the portion of the
individual, scatter, and return to effect Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing. As such,
generally, a larger number of, or percentage of, X-ray photons
having greater energy levels (and therefore correspondingly lower
frequencies) can generally visualize, image, and/or information
provide down to a greater at least one visualization, imaging, or
information providing depth range to the at least one prescribed
visualization, imaging, or information providing depth than X-ray
photons having a generally lower energy level (and correspondingly
higher frequencies). This generalization assumes consistency of
such factors as angle or position of applied X-rays, materials
being imaged, etc. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as described
in this disclosure with respect to FIG. 14, can facilitate Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing of
a region of the scattering events extending from at least a surface
168.
[0141] These embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 might be particularly useful
for Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing for the at least the portion of the individual near the
surface 168 of the individual (the surface may be underneath and at
least partially internal surface or at least partially external
surface). For example, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, that can
image from a surface to within the at least one depth range to the
at least one prescribed depth, may be suitable for such Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
even without complex image processing. Such visualization, imaging,
or information providing from different depths may not interfere
with each other provided a relatively homogeneous material across
the visualization, imaging, or information providing depth range.
By comparison, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can visualize,
image, or information provide one and relatively non-homogeneous
material across the at least one visualization, imaging, or
information providing depth range provided suitable processing
capability.
[0142] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can visualize,
image, or provide information relating to at least partially
internal and/or at least partially external matter of the at least
the portion of the individual utilizing a variety of Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
techniques. Such visualization, imaging, or information providing
can be configured to provide for, for example: examinations,
testing of cancer, sicknesses, injuries, tissue aberrations, etc.
(such cancers and/or tumors can include, but are not limited to,
breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, bladder cancer,
cervical cancer, etc.); as well as both internal or external
visualizing, imaging, or information providing aberrations of
certain matter of the at least the portion of the individual (such
as tissue, bone, dental, etc. or a combination); Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing lumen matter
and matter examinations; Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing edges, discontinuities, or matter
inconsistencies or aberrations of organs, tissue, or other matter;
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
allowing a variety of heart examination and/or treatments, heart
valve structure, operation examination and/or treatments, brain
examination and/or treatment, lung examination, liver examination,
other organ, matter, or tissue examination and/or treatments etc.
Within this disclosure, the term "depth" visualizing, imaging, or
information providing can include, but is not limited to, depth
visualizing, imaging, or information providing at least one volume
of matter beneath the surface 168 of the at least the portion of
the individual, perhaps including the surface 168 of the at least
the portion of the individual.
[0143] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to detect specific elements, or sets, combinations, alloys, and/or
mixtures of specific elements, such as may be used to obtain
signatures of pathological state or tissue identity. While iron and
calcium are mentioned in this disclosure as examples of elements
that may be included in matter which can be used to enhance
visualizations, imaging, and/or information providing; it may also
be desirable or useful to detect other elements or sets of
elements. Depending on context, X-ray scattering signatures of
tissue (which may be considered to be one embodiment of
visualization, imaging, or information providing information), may
be very helpful for a variety of diagnosis or examination purposes,
for example.
[0144] Another example of an element, which could be detected by
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100, is zinc. Zinc can be used as a
naturally-occurring indicator of certain types of pathological
brain tissue. For example, the elevated presence of zinc in the
brain can be used to identify epileptic areas in hippocampus. As
such, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to detect particular elements, matter, combinations of matter,
materials, metal, alloys, fluids, bones, etc., and as such may be
particularly useful for visualization, imaging, or information
providing for certain applications. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can be controllable and/or adjustable such as to allow setting
or adjusting for particular visualization, imaging, or information
providing applications.
[0145] Certain embodiments of such Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing from the surface
168 may be performed from within the at least one visualization,
imaging, or information providing depth range to the at least one
prescribed visualization, imaging, or information providing depth.
Certain of the Compton scattered X-rays returning to the Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151, that scatter at scattering
events from matter from different ones of the at least one
substantial scattering range to the at least one scattering depth,
may overlap and potentially interfere with scattered X-rays that
have a contributed X-rays from different scattering events. Such
clarification between interfering scattered X-rays resulting from
different scattering events at different depths, and/or positions,
etc., can limit confusion among image information obtained from
different scattering events at varying depths.
[0146] Assuming a relatively narrow visualization, imaging, or
information providing depth range to the at least one prescribed
visualization, imaging, or information providing depth based at
least partially on scattering from scattering events. The overlap
of X-rays Compton scattered from different depths can be considered
as originating from a single one of the at least one substantial
scattering range to the at least one scattering depth, assuming the
material is substantially homogenous across the range of depths.
The overlapped X-rays can thereupon be processed or treated as
originating from the same location. For example, Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing of the skin,
and/or some other relatively homogeneous matter, of a person may
appear consistent, even if the Compton scattered X-rays scattering
from within the at least one substantially scattered depth range to
the at least one prescribed substantially scattering depth.
[0147] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to visualize, image, or provide information based at least
partially on scattered X-rays being scattered the slightly
overlapped depths of scattering events, and can thereby reduce
quality or uniformity of imaging or visualization. For example,
consider the Compton scattered X-rays could be expected to be
Compton scattered, down to similar scattering depths, within
similar type matter within the person, assuming substantially
homogeneous or consistent matter down to the imaging depth. Certain
types of Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing can be performed as scanning, such as to
screen for, or detect, aberrations of the matter (e.g., skin) such
as cancers, lesions, tumors, moles, cuts, abrasions, etc. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly,
which can be used to visualize, image, or provide information
relating to a considerable variety of matter, such as regents made
up of relatively thin matter that are selected to increase the
homogeneity of the region. By selecting or using the relatively
thin image region, the matter's homogeneity thereby generally
increases to thereby provide improved visualization, imaging, or
information providing. By using relatively thin image regions,
which are therefore more homogeneous, certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 may utilize such devices as scintillators (and/or fluoroscopes,
certain of which can include scintillators) which can directly
convert scattered X-rays into viewable and/or visible light, as
described in this disclosure. Within this disclosure, "viewable"
light can, depending on context, be intended to include, but is not
limited to, visible light such as is recognized as being viewable
by most sighted humans, as well as at least certain infra-red and
ultra-violet light.
[0148] Within this disclosure, such conversion of X-ray photons by
scintillators into viewable and/or visible light that may be viewed
(directly or by subsequent processing) by certain users of
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100. By comparison, certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 may include a
photodiode or other photodetector operably associated with the
output of the scintillator (not shown, and considered as a portion
of the scintillator) which can output to certain portions of the
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly. As such, certain
scintillator-based embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can provide
viewable and/or visible light directly to a user, or alternately
output viewable and/or visible light that can be further analyzed,
amplified, filtered, or otherwise processed such that could be
viewed by the user following the multiple steps such as by a
machine, machine-based processor, optical processing device, etc.
Certain scintillators, for example, could be operably coupled to
photodiodes, whose outputs can be further analyzed.
[0149] Certain scintillator embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 being applied
to certain relatively thin organisms, plants, etc. may also
visualize, image, or provide information about the thickness of at
least some matter of the at least certain portions of the
individual using such techniques. Certain such scintillator (and/or
fluoroscope) embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 may be operationally simpler,
and therefore involve relatively little processing as compared with
other visualization, imaging, or information providing techniques
by other (more processor-complex) embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100.
The scintillator embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can create images
based, at least in part, on the scattered X-rays 122 received by
the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151; since the
Compton scattered X-rays being produced by the former are being
converted directly into viewable or visible light using
scintillators (and/or fluoroscope-based technology).
[0150] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as described in
this disclosure with respect to FIGS. 15 and 16, can facilitate
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing between a first one of the at least one visualization,
imaging, or information providing depth range to the first one of
the at least one prescribed visualization, imaging, or information
providing depth from the surface 168. Such visualizing, imaging, or
providing information can occur either from an internal or external
surface of the portion of the individual (or the first one of the
at least one visualization, imaging, or information providing depth
range to the first one of the at least one prescribed
visualization, imaging, or information providing depth from the
surface 168) to a second one of the at least one visualization,
imaging, or information providing depth range to a second one of
the at least one prescribed visualization, imaging, or information
providing depth from the surface.
[0151] Certain of such Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing techniques can be obtained at
least partially by combination (e.g., image differentiation, image
subtraction, image transformation, deconvolution, weighted
subtraction, functional subtraction, and group including inverse
integral transform, subtractive inverse integral transform, inverse
functional transform, and subtractive inverse functional transform,
time of flight calculation, or other such computation or image
processing techniques). With such combination of images, etc.,
multiple depth visualizations or images can be obtained, in the
form of depth visualization or image information, from Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
from the surface 168 down to multiple different depths 169, 170,
thereby imaging through a depth 172.
[0152] Certain occurrences of the depth visualizations, images,
and/or provided information can thereupon be obtained from the
shallower depth visualizations, images, and/or provided information
value using image combining (such as by using image subtraction,
image differentiation, image transformation, deconvolution,
weighted subtraction, functional subtraction, and group including
inverse integral transform, subtractive inverse integral transform,
inverse functional transform, and subtractive inverse functional
transform, or other such image processing or computational
techniques), from between multiple depth visualizations, images,
and/or provided information values. To depth-image a relatively
thick portion of the individual (e.g., a slice that is thicker than
can be depth imaged by itself with desired resolution, image
quality, etc.), a number of relatively thin image slices can be
imaged, and the number of images can thereupon be added, summed, or
otherwise combined using a variety of appropriate image processing
techniques.
[0153] As described in this disclosure, the visualization, imaging,
or information providing of slices can be performed by successive
image combination, by which the information, data, value, etc. of
the shallower image can be combined, subtracted, or otherwise
transformed out from that of the thicker image for each successive
image slice, to obtain image information of the particular image
slice.
[0154] Such techniques can also be utilized by certain image
combining processes (e.g., image subtraction, image
differentiation, image transformation, deconvolution, weighted
subtraction, functional subtraction, and group including inverse
integral transform, subtractive inverse integral transform, inverse
functional transform, and subtractive inverse functional transform,
time of flight techniques; scintillator [or fluoroscope]
techniques, or other Compton-based techniques). The image slices
can at least partially involve combining relatively thick portions
of the individual, and can thereupon be digitally, analog, or
otherwise combined using combining image processing techniques, and
can be clarified such as to limit distorting aspects such as opaque
X-ray matter, noise, etc, such as involving deconvolution,
transforms, etc. Certain of the visualizations, images, and/or
information can be maintained to form a model, which can be relied
on for visualization, imaging, or information providing purposes.
Alternately, a two-dimensional image slice having some thickness
and either a substantially planar or curvilinear surface (simple
curve, complex curve, or other) can be visualized, imaged, or have
information provided within the at least the portion of the
individual at a location nearby, or away from, the surface of the
at least the portion of the individual. For example, certain
examples of visualization, imaging, or providing information can
occur with the at least one emitter being positioned adjacent the
skin, within lumens, etc.
[0155] Alternately, time of the flight computations can be used to
derive visualization, imaging, or information providing
information, as described in this disclosure. Certain embodiments
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can visualize or image a volume or portion extending
between two of the at least one visualization, imaging, or
information providing depth ranges from the surface 168 can utilize
time of flight computations (such as described with respect to FIG.
17). Certain time of flight computations can operate at least
partially by determining a total distance from the emitter portion
150, to the particular scattering event of the at least the portion
of the individual, and thereupon continue to the Compton scattered
X-ray receiving assembly 151. Such distance can be determined, for
example, by measuring the duration for X-rays to travel that
distance. The distance can thereby be determined at least partially
based on the combined temporal duration (time) of the travel by the
applied X-ray 120 and/or the scattered X-ray 122. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 of FIG. 17 can include a time of flight
calculator 160 (which can be included in the visualization,
imaging, or information providing controller 97 of FIG. 1), which
can derive the time of flight duration(s), and thereupon compute
the total time of flight distance(s).
[0156] Certain embodiments of time of flight computation such as
can utilize the time of flight calculator 160, as described with
respect to FIG. 17, can involve generation of relatively brief
pulses of the applied X-ray (e.g., X-ray photon radiation), which
are directed by the at least one emitter portion 150 towards the
imaged region of the at least the portion of the individual.
Thereupon, the X-rays forming the pulses or bursts of applied
X-rays can be Compton scattered within the matter of the at least
the portion of the individual at the scattering event, such as can
be detected by the at least one Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151 following scattering of the brief pulse (also
considered a form of time modulation). Time of flight calculations
can be derived based, at least partially, on the time required for
the applied X-rays to travel to and scatter at the scattering event
(within the matter of the at least the portion of the individual),
and thereupon have the scattered X-rays travel to the at least one
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151. Considering the
total distance between the point of Compton scattered X-ray at the
scattering event and the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly, and thereupon the angle of scattering and scattering
event through which the X-rays travel through the at least the
portion of the individual. The location of the scattering event
within the matter of the at least a portion of the individual can
thereupon be determined relying on calculations based on the speed
of X-rays, their direction traveled, and thereupon their distance
traveled (the speed of X-rays correspond to the speed to
light).
[0157] The total distance from the emitter portion 150, to the
location of the scattering event, and thereupon to the Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151, can thereby be used to
derive the at least one visualization, imaging, or information
providing depth range to the at least one prescribed visualization,
imaging, or information providing depth at least partially using
time of flight calculations. With time of flight calculations,
precision in the detected timing and measured distance is important
in accurately determining the location of scattering within the
matter. Therefore, certain embodiments of the detector portions of
the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly and/or emitter
portions, as described with respect to FIG. 17, could have at least
low picosecond range detection operational duration to provide
suitable accuracy. Such picosecond range detection operational
duration to provide suitable accuracy can be performed using, for
example, certain streak cameras, pixellated streak cameras, an
avalanche detector, CCD, or other detector embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151. Other embodiments
of the detector portions could operate with considerably longer
signal detection duration rate while perhaps accepting reduced
quality or resolution in visualization, imaging, or information
providing.
[0158] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can utilize a
variety of controllers, computers, etc. (considered as a portion of
the visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97)
as certain users such as to provide a variety of automation and/or
enhanced reliably of operation or analysis. As such, with certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100, a variety of human or automated users can
visualize, image, and/or provide information relating to the
subsurface of the at least the portion of the individual 82 at
certain typically controllable depths. The mechanism for
Compton-type scattering are generally understood by those skilled
with X-ray technology, and will not be described in greater detail
except where suited to this particular disclosure.
[0159] With individuals such as humans and/or animals, for example,
the external surface 168 can include such surfaces as skin, mucous
membranes, and other such external surfaces etc. Certain
individuals such as plants or organisms (living in the environment
such as outside, living in humans, animals, plants, or other
organisms, and/or human-designed or human created) can have at
least one external surface 168 that may come in contact with the
external environment from which much of the potential
visualization, imaging, or information providing could be
performed. Examples of the external surface may include the outer
layer of a leaf, a trunk, a stalk, a fruit, a root portion, a
vegetables, etc. It may not be necessary, in those embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100, that are applied within the matter of the individual
(such as via incision, or other breach of the surface), to
visualize, image, and/or provide information at least partially
through the surface.
[0160] Certain individuals, such as organisms, plants, or portions
thereof, can be visualized, imaged, or have information provided
using certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 for such purposes
as to determine health, internal structure, insect infestation,
contamination, illness, etc. Certain types of individuals such as
fruits, roots, or vegetables as produced by plants can be
visualized, imaged, or have information provided using certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 as to determine freshness of the item,
suitability of the item, insect infestation, disease,
contamination, inconsistency from desired state, etc. A forestry
store or market (which may commercially sell certain meats,
vegetables, fruits, plants, etc., for example) may utilize certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 such as to visualize, image, and/or
provide information relating to meats, plants, vegetables, fruits,
etc. to determine their health, condition, etc. Such determination
of the condition can be applied either prior to purchase, following
storage for some duration, or prior to selling, etc. such
visualization, imaging, or information providing of plants,
organisms, troops, roots, etc. can be based, at least in part, and
changing X-ray scattering characteristics as the matter rots,
disintegrates, melts, distorts, ages, or otherwise changes.
[0161] With such individuals as humans and/or animals, the term
"internal" can pertain to those locations accessible through
normally open openings (e.g., mouth, ears, nose, various lumens,
blood vessels, urethra, anal, etc.) and/or normally closed
openings, such as may be accessed via an incision as described in
this disclosure. The interior of such individuals as organisms,
cells, bacteria, viruses, etc. can be accessed through normally
closed openings such as incisions, pipettes, probes, tools, tactile
feedback devices, cutters, displays, etc. As such, the term
"surface", whether situated at least partially internally and/or at
least partially externally relative to the at least the portion of
the individual, should relate to, and/or be considered relative to,
and based on, the particular aspects, conditions, and/or
particulars of the at least the portion of the individual.
[0162] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can provide
position determination, control, and/or adjustment of certain of
the at least one emitter portions 150 and/or the at least one
detector portions 152 (and/or the at least one Compton scattered
X-ray receiving assembly 151). Such adjustment and/or control of
the portions or entirety of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be used to control and/or
adjust the amount of matter through which the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
visualize, image, and/or provide information, such as when Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
(to within the at least one visualization, imaging, or information
providing depth range to the at least one prescribed visualization,
imaging, or information providing depth). Such control and/or
adjustment is typically characterized by the energy level and/or
frequency of the X-ray photons.
[0163] For example, assume that a particular Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 is configured
(e.g., based on X-ray photon energy and/or frequency) to visualize,
image, and/or provide information at the at least one controllable
and/or adjustable prescribed visualization, imaging, or information
providing depth. If the at least one emitter portion 150 can be
arranged to direct the applied X-ray 122 substantially
perpendicular to the surface 168 of the at least the portion of the
individual, the visualization, imaging, or information providing
could occur within the at least one prescribed visualization,
imaging, or information providing depth of, for example, 5 mm.
However, as the angle of the applied X-rays by the emitter portion
to the surface 168 of the matter changes from perpendicular to some
slant from a surface of the at least the portion of the individual,
such as illustrated in FIGS. 16 to 17, the at least one prescribed
visualization, imaging, or information providing depth also
changes. The at least one prescribed visualization, imaging, or
information providing depth corresponds to the maximum depth which
the X-rays can pass to, scatter at, and return from during the
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing. Therefore, as the angle of the X-rays applied by the
emitter portion to the surface 168 of the at least some matter of
the at least the portion of the individual changes (e.g., from
perpendicular to some angle), the effective perpendicular depth
visualizing, imaging, or information providing could change, which
typically changes as a cosine function of the change of angle.
[0164] With almost all types of individuals, most surfaces 168 are
not completely planar. Consider that people, animals, organisms,
and plants are not typically flat, but instead have some degree of
curvature over our surfaces. For the purpose of this disclosure,
such visualization, imaging, or information providing concepts can
be explained and more easily modeled assuming a planar initial
contact surface, which may become closer to true as the depth
imaged or visualized region becomes incrementally smaller.
[0165] Within this disclosure, "Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing", as may therefore
be performed within some set distance from the surface 168 at which
X-ray based electromagnetic radiation from the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 is being
emitted and Compton scattered, and can thereupon be detected.
Certain aspects of such Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing may rely on the configuration
and/or operation respective emitter portions and/or detector
portions that can respectively apply X-rays proximate to, and/or
receive X-rays from, the surface 168 of the at least the portion of
the individual.
[0166] The matter of the at least the portion of the individual
which can be visualized, imaged, or have information provided using
a variety of embodiments and/or configurations of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100,
can vary. For instance, for Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing humans or animals, the soft
matter that can be visualized, imaged, or have information provided
can include but is not limited to: soft tissue, fluid (blood,
spinal, lymph, etc.) bone portions interspersed among tissue,
tissue forming organs, muscles, fat, flesh, etc. Additionally,
relatively hard matter such as: bones, bone portions, joints, spine
portions, teeth, etc. can be visualized, imaged, or have
information provided using certain configurations or embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100. As such, the interior bones, teeth, etc. can be depth
imaged to provide a considerable amount of internal visualization,
imaging, or information providing. As such, the particulars of the
at least some matter can have some effect on the visualizing,
imaging, or information providing.
[0167] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider can additionally
visualize, image, and/or provide information relating to such
matter can be associated with, or positioned in or nearby the at
least the portion of the individual as plastic, metal, implants,
pins, constructs, fillings, orthopedic braces, dental braces, etc.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider can be either stand-alone devices,
or provide input into the at least the portion of the individual
such as a tool, implant, tactile feedback providers, injecting
device, probe, cutter, drill, separator, ablator, Bovie
electrocautery device, material adder, material remover, etc.
Certain portions of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager,
or information provider 100, as described in this disclosure, can
pertain to visualizing, imaging, or information providing within
the medical areas, orthopedic areas, research areas, dental areas,
orthodontia areas, veterinarian areas, livestock areas, wild animal
or aquatic animal areas, etc.
[0168] Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing of such individuals as plants or organisms
can involve depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing at
least some of the various particular components or structure of the
plant or organism. Such Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing of plants, organisms, etc. can be
for research, commercial, medical, veterinarian, dental, or other
purposes. For instance, certain organisms being visualized, imaged,
or have information provided can within a human, animal, or other
host, can be distinct, or can be at least partially integrated in
human, plant, organism, animal, etc.
[0169] There may be particular aspects of particular type of
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing, as can be performed by particular embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 as described in this disclosure. For example, certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 might be particularly useful in Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing a
region within the at least the portion of the individual that is
physically separated from the location where the applied X-rays 120
initially pass through the surface. As such, certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 may have to image through considerable matter, tissue,
etc. that may not be desired to be included in the visualization,
imaging, or information providing, such as by using image combining
(e.g., image subtraction, time of flight Compton scattered X-ray
depth visualization, or other technique such as by using image
subtraction, image transformation, deconvolution, image
subtraction, weighted subtraction, functional subtraction, and
group including inverse integral transform, subtractive inverse
integral transform, inverse functional transform, and subtractive
inverse functional transform, or other such image processing
techniques), and/or other imaging, or information providing,
techniques as described in this disclosure; the depth visualizing
or imaging effects of such matter that is not desired to be
visualized, imaged, or have information provided can be
computationally limited. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be configured or operated to most effectively image the matter of
the at least the portion of the individual situated nearby the
external or internal surface 168 (e.g., via skin or other internal
or external surface, or alternately through an incision, cut, etc.)
of the at least the portion of the individual.
[0170] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 are described in
this disclosure as having their energy level and/or frequency of
the applied X-rays that can be controlled and/or adjusted. The term
controllable can, depending on context, indicate the ability of the
user and/or other entity to control the depth, and/or range of
depths, at which the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100, can image through the matter of the at
least the portion of the individual. Such control can be based at
least in part on controlling the energy level and/or frequency of
at least some applied X-rays 120. By comparison, the term
adjustable can, depending on context, indicate that some adjustment
can be made to the depth at which the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 visualizes, images,
or provides information into the matter of the at least the portion
of the individual. Such adjustment can be based, at least in part,
on controlling the energy level and/or frequency of at least some
applied X-rays 120. Such control or adjustment of depth, or range
of depths, can be made during initial and/or subsequent depth
visualizing, imaging, or information providing, and can be
empirically determined or not. A variety of embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 may be controllable and/or adjustable based at least in part on
controlling the energy level and/or frequency of at least some
applied X-rays 120, as described in this disclosure; while other
embodiments may not.
[0171] Certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97, of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as described in
this disclosure, can utilize a variety of software, hardware,
firmware, depth visualizing or imaging technology, electronic
and/or electric circuitry to facilitate the desired Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing. A
variety of the software, hardware, firmware, depth visualizing or
imaging technology, electronic and/or electric circuitry is
understood in the field of controllers, optical systems,
electronics, and/or computers; and might be effectively performed
by a variety of types of the visualization, imaging, or information
providing controller 97. For instance, certain embodiments of
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing that can rely at least partially on visualization,
imaging, or information providing image subtraction or combination,
filtering, and/or processing, etc., as described in this
disclosure, such as are particularly likely to involve software,
hardware, firmware, and/or electronic to perform suitable image
processing such as transforms, etc. As such, certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can allow transitioning or reconfiguration between
different types of Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging,
or information providing such as by operation selection,
reprogramming, modification, replacement, or reconfiguration of the
visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97
(such as may control operation of the emitter portion 150 and/or
the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 of FIG. 1). The
operational or processing requirements of the visualization,
imaging, or information providing controller 97 may be quite
demanding, for certain applications.
[0172] There are a number of embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 that can be
used to visualize, image, or provide information. FIGS. 18 and 20,
for example, illustrate two respective exemplary but not limiting
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100, each embodiment conforms generally to the
description on this disclosure relating to the FIG. 1 block
diagram. Exemplary, but not limiting, logic pertaining to the
respective FIGS. 18 and 20 embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information providers 100, and can be
applied to certain large flow charts as described respectively
relative to FIGS. 19 and 21.
[0173] It is envisioned that one or more distinct components, or
portions, of certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, can be included in
one or more separate or distinct Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information providers 100 (such as described
with respect to FIG. 1) can be operationally combined or configured
as desired. Such components or portions from the one or more
separate or distinct Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information providers 100 can interoperate, using known networking
concepts. Each portion or component of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider can thereby perform one
or more distinct functions or operations associated with the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider.
[0174] As such, at least certain portions or components of
different embodiments of one or more of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can interface
and/or interact with each other such as to transfer, transmit,
and/or receive images, visualize, image, and/or provide information
therebetween. Such transfer, transmission, and/or reception
techniques can be provided in a manner utilizing techniques
understood by those skilled in computing, hard-wired, wireless,
networking, optical, communications, and other similar
technologies. Such transmission, transferring, and/or receiving can
be performed utilizing wireless, optical, wired based and/or other
known technologies.
[0175] There can be a variety of, and embodiments of, devices
and/or techniques which can be used by the at least one emitter
portion 150, that can generate the applied X-rays. For example,
certain embodiments of the at least one emitter portion 150 of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can utilize X-ray devices, tubes, etc. to generate X-rays. A
variety of X-ray tubes may be used to generate X-rays for a variety
of conventional X-ray devices and/or conventional fluoroscopy
devices, such as are generally known and are commercially
available. Conventional X-ray devices, tubes, etc., such as may be
utilized for conventional medical visualizing, imaging, or
information providing, are described, for example, in chapter 5 of
"The Essential Physics of Medical Imaging, Second Edition", J. T.
Bushburg, et al., Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 2002
(incorporated by reference herein in its entirety). The X-ray
tubes, devices, etc. can, depending on context, be considered as
those devices that can be configured to produce X-rays including
X-ray photons of a particular energy level or range, frequency or
range, power or range, etc. he the For conventional transmissive
X-ray imaging, for example, the X-rays can pass through the at
least the portion of the individual 82. By comparison, those
embodiments of the at least one emitter portion 150 of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
visualize, image, and/or provide information utilizing such Compton
scattered X-ray mechanisms as Compton backscatting, Compton forward
scattering, etc. of the applied X-ray in a manner that can rely on
X-rays that have characteristics (frequency, energy level, power,
etc. of the X-ray photons).
[0176] Certain external embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may be configured
such that the particular frequency or X-ray photon energy, or such
other operational characteristic(s) of at least some of the X-ray
photons included within the applied X-ray, can pertain to the depth
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing. As such, the frequency or energy level of a
number of X-ray photons included in the applied X-ray, if
controlled or adjusted, can have the effect of controlling or
adjusting the depth(s) of Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing into the matter of the at least
the portion of the individual 82. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can visualize, image, and/or provide information down to within
the at least one visualization, imaging, or information providing
depth range to the at least one prescribed visualization, imaging,
or information providing depth, which range of depths can be at
least partially adjusted and/or controlled. Such determination can
be either at least partially empirically, empirically, such as by
calculation, derivation, or determination. Certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can obtain the X-ray Compton scattered X-ray
information in the form of information, data, depth visualizations,
images, and/or provided information, etc.
[0177] The at least one substantially scattered depth range to the
at least one prescribed substantially scattered depth distance from
the surface 168 of the individual, such that the electromagnetic
radiation of the applied X-ray passes into the at least the portion
of the individual, scatters, and may therefore cause a reduction in
the energy level of the X-ray upon scattering. The latter distance
can thereby be controlled to effectively control the Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
characteristics as per the former. Certain of the at least one
visualization, imaging, or information providing depth range to the
at least one prescribed visualization, imaging, or information
providing depth, which can vary along with varied surface
configurations, roughness, material non-uniformities, etc.
[0178] By controlling the characteristics of the X-rays photons
(e.g., frequency and/or energy level of the X-ray photons of the
X-rays, intensity of the X-rays, angle of the X-rays, etc.), the
perpendicular distance from the surface 168 of the at least the
portion of the individual that the applied X-ray passes can be
controlled and/or adjusted. Such control and/or adjusting of the
energy level, frequency, direction, intensity, position, and/or
other aspect or parameter of the applied X-rays can considerably
limit the amount and type of matter of the at least the portion of
the individual through which the X-rays may be applied. For
instance, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider can be configured to
emit the X-ray based electromagnetic radiation (of the applied
X-ray or the scattered X-ray) at one or more selected organ(s)
and/or matter, while limiting the application of the X-ray
electromagnetic radiation to other organs, matter, etc. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can control the angle at which it applies
its X-ray photons to the surface 168 of the at least the portion of
the individual.
[0179] Due to the uncertain health effects of application of X-rays
on humans, other individuals, and/or users, it may be desirable, in
many instances, to limit the amount of X-ray electromagnetic
radiation applied to the at least the portion of the individual,
and/or any nearby users, when using the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100. Additionally, it
would be expected to ease acceptance of certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 by the appropriate regulatory agencies, in the amount of X-rays
being applied to individuals and/or users (particularly human)
could be limited considerably. As such, by the certain embodiments
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 be configured to image a relatively small portion of
the individual using depth-imaging techniques (e.g., imaging scan
in a small portion underneath, primarily imaging matter through a
depth, primarily certain organs, etc.), it can inherently limit the
amount and extent of X-rays pass.
[0180] For example, certain regions or locations of particular
individuals (e.g., the embryo in pregnant women, certain organs,
certain tissue, radiation-weakened individuals, elderly or
informed, certain animals or organisms, etc.) might be particularly
susceptible to the application of X-ray electromagnetic radiation,
and as such are especially critical to shield from the application
of X-rays. As such, it might be particularly desirable to configure
at least certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 to allow control of
the particular range of depth to the prescribed depth of the
applied X-rays 120 (as well as their released amount) within the at
least the portion of the individual. By limiting the amount and
energy level of the X-ray photons of the applied X-rays being
applied to the at least some matter of the at least the portion of
the individual by such techniques as bandwidth limiting, X-ray
energy reduction, filtering, shielding, etc., the application of
the X-ray to the user and/or individual can be limited.
[0181] Allowing relatively precise directional control of applied
X-rays 120 using correlators, lenses, etc. such as emitted by the
at least one emitter portion 150, as compared with certain
conventional X-ray imagers (conventional transmissive or
fluorescent X-rays) can considerably reduce the X-ray dosage to the
at least the portion of the individual. Also, X-ray dosages to
nearby users can be limited. Such use of relatively low-energy
applied X-rays, precise application of applied X-rays to limited
region of the individual, and associated reduced dosage of nearby
areas, users, and/or individuals by certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 could improve the public's and professional perception and
acceptance thereof.
[0182] With certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, the user such as a
doctor, researcher, veterinarian, surgeon, etc. (each of whom may
be involved in examination, surgery, and/or research, etc.) can
appropriately subsurface visualize, image, and/or provide
information relating to the at least the portion of the individual
82. Depending on context, certain types of Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing can be applied
from nearby or proximate the surface 168 down to within the at
least one visualization, imaging, or information providing depth
range to the at least one prescribed visualization, imaging, or
information providing depth. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
vary from the micron range up to and including substantially
through a major portion of the individual 82.
[0183] The resolution of certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100
might be effective for certain diagnosis, examination, surgical,
research, and other purposes; and certain embodiments Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider could
provide desired or appropriate resolutions through the visualized,
imaged, or information provided portion of the individual 82.
[0184] It may be desired for certain visualization, imaging, or
information providing applications to adjust and/or control the
visualization, imaging, or information providing by certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100. Within this disclosure, the term
"control", as it relates to Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing, can mean, but is not limited to,
controlling the energy level, frequency, angle, additional matter
imaged through, and/or other characteristics of the applied X-ray
120 by certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100. Within this
disclosure, the term "adjust" can mean, but is not limited to,
depending on context, adjusting the at least one range of
visualization, imaging, or information providing depth to the at
least one prescribed visualization, imaging, or information
providing depth. Such control or adjustment can occur by altering
or adjusting certain characteristics of the applied X-rays such as
energy level, frequency, depth, angle from perpendicular to the
surface 168, etc.
[0185] Such control and/or adjustment of certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can make the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider more applicable to a variety of applications.
For example, certain controllable embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
visualize, image, and/or provide information a variety of matter
within the at least the portion of the individual at a variety of
depths, or range of depths. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
adjust the depth of Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging,
or information providing and/or their resolution based on
controlling the X-ray characteristics of the applied X-ray. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can therefore be configured to be
adjustably tunable, such that the user can adjust the energy of the
X-ray photons. By adjusting the energy of the X-ray photons of the
applied X-rays, for example, the at least one substantially
scattered depth range to the at least one prescribed substantially
scattered depth of Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging,
or information providing into the matter of the at least the
portion of the individual can be adjusted.
[0186] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can utilize
steered, focused, directed, filtered, scanned, and/or processed
X-rays. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can visualize,
image, and/or provide information along a variety of one, two, or
three dimensional patterns, in certain instances such as by
scanning to create a two or three dimensional visualize, image,
and/or provide information within the at least the portion of the
individual 82. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to be low or non-contact, as well as low or non-invasive, such as
by utilizing an embodiment of the emitter portion 150 having no or
limited contact with the surface 168.
[0187] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider may allow the operation
and/or structure of the detector portion and the display portion to
be at least partially combined. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
allow the user, or a controller, to alter the Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing of
subsequent or sequential depth visualizations, images, and/or
provided information based at least in part on results from prior
captured images. Such sequential Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information may allow such exemplary
users as doctors, surgeons, veterinarians, researchers, etc. to
determine the region within the at least the portion of the
individual that is being visualized, imaged, or have information
provided. It may be desirable to provide for such changes in
visualization, imaging, or information providing using a variety of
image processing techniques to effect such changes as
magnification; zooming; changing a relative angle, depth, or
position of the visualization, image, or provided information,
and/or changing a variety of other visualizing, imaging, or
information providing parameter such as may be desired or useful by
the user or individual.
[0188] A variety of configurations and/or operational combinations
of the at least one emitter portion(s) 150, the at least one
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151, the at least one
detector portion, and/or the at least one display portion(s) 154
may be associated with the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100. As described in this
disclosure, certain embodiments of the at least one emitter portion
150 can be directed such as to apply X-ray based electromagnetic
radiation at a precisely controllable region of the at least the
portion of the individual 82; such as may thereupon be detected by
certain embodiments of the at least one detector portion 152. Such
application and/or detection of the electromagnetic radiation can
be done once, multiple continuous times without feedback by a user
and/or controller, multiple sequential times with feedback by a
user and/or controller, or other ways or combinations thereof. The
application or detection of X-rays may rely on transmission of a
variety of beams such as pulse, continuous, pencil beam, fan,
flooding, or other types of the applied X-rays.
[0189] Certain embodiment(s) component(s), and/or portion(s) of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can be configured as an at least partially external device,
such as to depth-examine the at least some matter of the at least
the portion of the individual either directly through the matter
itself, or alternately below an either external or internal surface
168 of the at least the portion of the individual. For certain
external embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100, the "subsurface" Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
can, depending upon context, relate to Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing beneath the skin
or other external surface. Certain embodiment(s) component(s),
and/or portion(s) of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider can be configured as an at least
partially internal device, such as to examine an internal portion
of the individual 82 through an incision, or alternately through a
normally open opening in the at least the portion of the
individual.
[0190] For certain internal embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, a
"subsurface" undergoing visualization, imaging, or information
providing can, depending upon context, relate to being applied
through a normally open portions of the individual, such as beneath
the surface 168, within a region at least partially forming the
lumen, within a cavity, or within another body opening. For
internal embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 that can be applied through
normally closed portions of the individual (e.g., an incision, a
wound, etc.), the term "subsurface" can, depending upon context,
including the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 being applied through the normally-closed
opening, incision, etc. Various embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
visualize, image, or provide information through a variety of such
matter as tissue, bone portions, fluid, blood, etc. through the
range of depths to the prescribed penetration depth 170, as
described with respect to FIG. 18.
[0191] FIG. 19 shows one embodiment of a flowchart of a Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
technique 300 that can be performed by the embodiment of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 as described in this disclosure of the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 can include operationally
distinct ones of the at least one detector portion 152 from the at
least one display portion 154. Certain embodiments of the
subsurface Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing technique 300 can include one or more
operations 302, 304, 306, and/or 308 to be applied within the at
least one visualization, imaging, or information providing depth
range to the at least one prescribed visualization, imaging, or
information providing depth into the at least some matter.
[0192] Certain embodiments of operation 302 can include, but is not
limited to, applying at least one applied X-ray from an at least
one emitter portion 150 towards an at least some matter of an at
least a portion of an individual. For example, certain embodiments
of the at least one emitter portion(s) 150 can apply X-rays toward
the desired matter (e.g., tissue, fluid, bone, teeth, joint, fat,
muscle, etc.) of the at least the portion of the individual in a
manner that the X-rays can be Compton scattered within the at least
some matter. Such application of applied X-rays can thereupon be
used by certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 to allow depth
visualizing, imaging, or information providing. A considerable
percentage of the applied X-rays that are scattered and returned to
be detected by the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151
could be scattered between within the at least one substantially
scattered depth range to the at least one prescribed substantially
scattered depth. The value of the at least one substantially
scattered depth range to the at least one prescribed substantially
scattered depth can be based at least partially on the energy level
of the X-ray photons of the applied X-ray 120. The energy level of
the X-ray photons of the applied X-ray 120 is considered to be
directly related to frequency.
[0193] Certain embodiments of the operation 304 can include, but is
not limited to, obtaining at least one (e.g., Compton) scattered
X-ray that scattered from the at least one applied X-ray at the at
least one detector portion 152. In effect, certain of the Compton
scattered X-rays 122 can be received at the detector portion 152,
at least partially based on the scattering of the applied X-rays
120 at the scattering event (e.g., within the at least some matter
of the at least the portion of the individual). Certain of the
applied X-rays can be applied by the at least one emitter portion
150 during operation 302.
[0194] Certain embodiments of the operation 306 (which is optional)
can include, but is not limited to, processing the at least one
Compton scattered X-ray received during operation 304, to
visualize, image, and/or provide information about the at least the
portion of the individual. For example, certain embodiments of the
visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97 can
derive visualizations, images, and/or provide information such as
can be displayed.
[0195] Certain embodiments of the operation 308 can include, but is
not limited to, deriving the at least one visualization, image,
and/or provided information as can be at least partially processed
and/or captured during operation 306. For example, certain
embodiments of the display portion 154 and/or the Compton scattered
X-ray receiving assembly 151 (which may be a scintillator and/or
fluoroscope embodiment) can display a visualization, image, and/or
provide information of at least a portion of the matter of the at
least the portion of the individual.
[0196] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider may be configured to,
at least partially, convert scattered X-rays directly into viewable
or visible light, without the processing the scattered X-ray such
as may be provided with certain scintillator embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100. FIG. 21 shows one embodiment of a flowchart of a Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
technique 400 that can be performed by the embodiment of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 without processing. Certain embodiments of the subsurface
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing technique 400 can include one or more of operations 402,
404, and/or 406 as described in this disclosure to visualize,
image, and/or provide information using a scintillator (and/or
fluoroscope) embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151. Certain scintillator (and/or fluoroscope) embodiments
of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 can
visualize, image, or provide information within the at least one
visualization, imaging, or information providing depth range to the
at least one prescribed visualization, imaging, or information
providing depth into the matter of the at least the portion of the
individual.
[0197] Certain embodiments of the operation 402 can include, but is
not limited to, applying at least one applied X-ray from the at
least one emitter portion towards the at least some matter of the
at least the portion of the individual. For example, certain
embodiments of the at least one emitter portion(s) 150 can apply
X-rays toward the desired matter (e.g., tissue, fluid, bone, teeth,
joint, fat, muscle, etc.) of the at least the portion of the
individual in a manner that the X-rays can be Compton scattered
within the matter.
[0198] Certain embodiments of the operation 404 can include, but is
not limited to, receiving at least some (e.g., Compton) X-ray at
the at least one Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 as
described in this disclosure, in response to the applied X-rays 120
applied by the at least one emitter portion 150. A considerable
percentage of the applied X-rays that are scattered and returned to
be detected by the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151
will be scattered through the at least one substantially scattered
depth range to the at least one prescribed substantially scattered
depth. Such scattering can be based at least partially on the
energy level (or frequency, which is related thereto) of the X-ray
photons of the applied X-ray 120, as described in this
disclosure.
[0199] Certain embodiments of the operation 406 can include, but is
not limited to, deriving at least one visualization, image, or
provided information at least partially in response to the
receiving the at least one scattered X-ray at the at least one
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151. For example,
certain scintillator (and/or fluoroscope) embodiments of the
display portion 154 and/or the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151 can display a depth visualization or image of at least
a portion of the matter of the individual.
[0200] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 thereby can provide
a mechanism to visualize, image, and/or provide information down
to, or at, one or more depths (in many instances controllably) into
at least partially X-ray matter such as to capture depth
visualizations, images, and/or provided information. Within this
disclosure, much of the matter being depth-imaged by certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be expected to be interspersed, mixed,
compounded, or at least partially combined with other matter such
as bones, metal, etc. within the individual such as typically
exists in at least certain portions of the individual 82. Certain
embodiments of the X-ray Compton scattered X-ray, such as can be
performed by certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, can thereby be
used to visualize, image, and/or provide information matter that
can be at least partially combined with relatively electromagnetic
radiation-Compton scattered X-ray matter.
[0201] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to be used to visualize, image, and/or provide information at least
portions of certain matter that is relatively "hard", considering
the applied X-rays 120, such as bones, bone fragments or portions,
spinal portions, cranial portions, metal, implants, etc. Such
re-configurations as altering the frequencies of the applied X-rays
120 may be used to configure the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 to visualize,
image, and/or provide information matter(s) having varied
characteristics. By depth visualizing, imaging, or information
providing of hard matter such as bones, spinal portions, certain
implants, etc., it can become possible to examine a
two-dimensional, or three-dimensional portion of the bone, etc.
with considerable resolutional accuracy. Such depth visualizing,
imaging, or information providing of hard matter can be controlled
and/or adjusted as described in this disclosure. Such Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing of
hard matter can be performed prior to surgery or examination,
during surgery or examination, following surgery or examination.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can visualize, image, and/or
provide information hard matter in combination with other matter.
For example, a bone can be imaged in combination with associated
joints, muscles, tendons, surgical pins, plates, etc. Additionally,
a brain portion can be visualized, imaged, or have information
provided relative to associated cranial portions (e.g., skull),
etc. Providing such adjustability or control of Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing can allow
doctors, surgeons, dentists, etc. to obtain accuracy of Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing of
a variety of matter within the at least the portion of the
individual.
[0202] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to visualize, image, or provide information relating to a
combination of at least some soft matter such as tissue, blood
cells, bodily fluids, etc. as combined with certain embodiments of
the at least some hard matter such as bones, teeth, etc. Such
visualization, imaging, or providing information of a combination
of at least some hard matter with at least some soft matter may be
particularly useful when considering junction matter regions, such
as the intersection of gums with teeth; the intersection of bones
with tendons, ligaments, muscles, tissue, etc.
[0203] A variety of embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to image edges, sides, inconsistencies, or non-uniformities of
matter, tissue, organs, etc. It may therefore be possible to locate
particular organs, matter, tissue, etc. based on such
inconsistencies, or non-uniformities of the organs, matter, tissue,
etc. For example, as applied X-rays 120 are applied to visualize,
image, and/or provide information a region of the at least the
portion of the individual where an organ is situated, the edge
portion of the organ may scatter the applied X-rays in a direction
that differs from the remainder of the organ. Such Compton
scattered X-ray along the edge may lead into a detectable
difference of the depth Compton scattered X-ray image at the edge
of the X-ray Compton scattered X-ray organ. Such differences of
characteristics of Compton scattered X-ray based at least in part
on angle, position, or other aspect of the matter can be used by
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100, as described in this
disclosure.
[0204] FIG. 8 shows one embodiment of the emitter portion 150 that
can be included in certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as described
in this disclosure, while FIG. 9 shows another embodiment. Certain
embodiments of the at least one emitter portion 150 can emit the
applied X-rays toward the at least the portion of the individual 82
over an angle such as with a pencil beam, fan beam, area beam, or
other beam; while other embodiments can emit the applied X-rays in
a narrow beam such as a pencil beam. Certain embodiments of the
emitter portion 150 can emit collimated X-rays, while others can
emit incoherent X-rays. Certain embodiments of the at least one
emitter portion 150 can include such adjustable optical elements as
Bragg optics elements to adjust the pattern/direction of the
applied X-ray emission, while others may not be adjustable or
controllable. The configuration, design, and usage of certain
embodiments of the emitter portion 150 can depend, at least in
part, on the particular characteristics of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing (as well as
the characteristics of the at least the portion of the individual
being visualized, imaged, or have information provided).
[0205] In general, certain embodiments of the emitter portion 150
are therefore configured to direct at least one X-ray towards the
at least the portion of the individual. Certain embodiments of the
at least one emitter portion 150, can include, but are not limited
to, a power source 836, a cathode 832, a field emission tip 850,
and/or an anode 834. Other illustrative potential structures of the
at least one emitter portion 150 are described in this disclosure,
while still others are generally understood by those skilled with
X-ray tubes and generating devices. Certain embodiments of the
power source 836 and the cathode 832 can be arranged in an electron
circuit such as to provide an electric (e.g., electron) flow from
the cathode 832, such as can be at least partially discharged via
the electron emitter tip 850 and the anode 834. Certain embodiments
of the electron emitter tip 850 can be in electrical communication
with the cathode, such as to be configured as to be capable of
discharging the electron flow that can be at least partially
directed at the anode 834.
[0206] Certain embodiments of the electron emitter tip 850 may be
configured as an electron discharge region that can generate and/or
direct the electron flow in a pattern, frequency, energy level,
configuration, or other parameter as described with respect to FIG.
8. Certain embodiments of the electron emitter tip 850 are
configured to establish the electron flow, and as such may include
such elements as a triode, antenna, nanostructure, or other such
component. Certain embodiments of the electron emitter tip 850 can
also be configured to include one or more (carbon) nanotubes, which
may be effectively configured as electromagnetic radiation
antennas. Certain embodiments of the electron emitter tip 850 can
thereby utilize one or more discrete elements, while other
embodiments can utilize a number or array of carbon nanotubes,
etc.
[0207] Certain embodiments of the electron emitter tip 850 can be
fixed, while other embodiments can be adjusted or displaced such as
to change such as to alter the pattern of electron emission, such
as by moving the electron source. One example of a movable or
adjustable electron emitter tip 850 can include, for example,
utilizing adjustment or displacement of a flexible carbon nanotube
electrically coupled to the cathode.
[0208] Certain embodiments of the anode 834 can be configured
and/or biased during operation as to attract electrons from the
combination of the cathode 832 and/or the electron emitter tip 850.
Upon contact of the electron flow into certain embodiments of the
anode 834, certain embodiments of the anode can thereupon generate
X-ray photons of the desired frequency and/or energy level. In
certain embodiments of the emitter portion 150, the electron flow
emanating from the electron emitter tip 850 can remain
substantially static, and as such may not be directable or
scannable. With other embodiments of the emitter portion 150, the
electron emitter tip 850 of the cathode 832 can steer, scan, or
otherwise displace the electron flow to the desired location
relative to the anode 834. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be configured to include a stepper motor, or other motor or
displacement mechanism (not shown) to control or adjust the
positions of the emitter portion 150 and/or the detector portion
152. The respective emitter portion 150 and/or detector portion 152
may be configured to operationally pan and tilt during operation
such as to provide a desired degree of adjustability. Certain
embodiments of the electron emitter tip 850 can be configured as an
X-ray source (e.g., in certain instances the size may be in the
small mm range such that it may, in certain instances, fit within
certain blood vessels or lumens such as to allow depth visualizing,
imaging, or information providing from these locations). In other
embodiments, the size of the electron emitter tip 850 may be
considerably larger such as to interface with an external or larger
portion of the individual 82.
[0209] Certain embodiments of the electron emitter tip 850 beam can
be configured to be displaceable or moveable such as to allow
control and/or adjustment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, such as by
scanning, shifting, axially moving, beam focusing control,
rotating, panning, or otherwise moving to alter the path of the
electron flow. For example: one or more Micro Electro-Mechanical
System (MEMS) devices, a rotating crystal, an electromechanical or
X-ray scanning mechanism, or other suitable means may be included
in the certain embodiments of the electron emitter tip 850 such as
to provide control and/or adjustment of the electron emitter tip.
Certain embodiments of the emitter portion 150 can be configured to
produce X-rays that are at least partially incident on a lens (not
shown, but which may include a crystal which is configured as a
lens) that can be displaceable to move and/or scan the X-ray beam.
Alternately, certain embodiments of the emitter portion 150 can be
configured as an array type device, with different ones are
different groups of the elements being a controlled either manually
or at least partially by the depth visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97. Such scanning of the X-ray
beam can follow a raster-type scan, use a fan type beam, pencil
type beam, or other scan, perhaps similar to those utilize to in
certain other conventional tomography scanners, or may follow some
other pattern. In certain instances, the scanning of the at least
one emitter portion 150 may be coordinated with the scanning of the
at least one detector portion 152, or alternately a scanning
detector portion may be associated with an emitter portion that
generates X-rays which effectively "flood" the at least the portion
of the individual 82 being visualized, imaged, or have information
provided. The selection of the particular scanning or flooding
configuration may affect X-ray dosage of the user and/or nearby
individuals, as described in this disclosure.
[0210] Various embodiments of the power source 836, as described
with respect to FIG. 8, may be configured as desired, as long as it
provides adequate power to the cathode to establish the electron
flow from the particular embodiment of the electron emitter tip
850, depending on the configuration of electron emitter tip as well
as the anode. Certain embodiments of the emitter portion 150 can
thereby be configured to direct electrons, as provided by the power
source 836, the cathode 832, and/or the electron emitter tip 858.
The electrons may therefore be directed from the electron emitter
tip 850 to the anode 834 as described with respect to FIG. 8.
Altering or controlling the electron flow may have a corresponding
effect on the generation of photons by the anode 834. Certain
embodiments of the emitter portion 150 may alternately be powered
optically, such as to include the photon generator 880 as applied
to the power source 836, as described with respect to FIG. 9.
[0211] Certain embodiments of the photon generator 880 can
alternately utilize, for example, an optically fed photoelectric
stack, an optical fed battery, a solar panel, or a variety of other
device that can generate X-ray photons. Certain embodiments of the
at least one emitter portion 150 utilizing the photon generator 880
as described with respect to FIG. 9, can be adjustable, controlled,
fixed, dispersed, and/or focused, etc. as to control and/or adjust
generation of X-ray photons as described with respect to the FIG. 8
embodiment of the emitter portion.
[0212] With certain embodiments of the emitter portion 150, as
described with respect to FIG. 8, an electron grid (not shown) may
be positioned, adjusted, and/or controlled from a location such as
operationally proximate to the electron flow. For example, the
electron grid may be situated adjacent a path at least partially
situated between the electron emitter tip 850 and the anode 834.
Certain embodiments of the electron grid may be configured, upon
activation, to steer, scan, or otherwise control the flow or
velocity of electrons passing from the electron emitter tip 850 to
the anode 834. Such steering, scanning, accelerating, decelerating,
or otherwise controlling the flow or velocity of electrons can in
addition control or alter the characteristics or position(s) at
which the photons generated contact the particular anode 834.
[0213] Certain basic embodiments of the anode 834 can be configured
in a variety of forms. For example, the anode can include a thin
metal foil, or other configuration, that can be positioned in
suitable proximity to the electron emitter tip 850. Certain
embodiments of the anode 834 can be provided to be controllable
and/or adjustable such as to include at least one anode wheel,
cassette, cartridge, etc. (not shown) that can emit X-ray photons
whose characteristics can be adjusted and/or controlled, such as by
displacement, rotation, etc., such as to provide varied anode
metals or other materials anodes (or having different shapes,
dimensions, or other configurations) in communication with the
electron flow.
[0214] By using an anode wheel, cartridge, canister, or other such
mechanism that can alter the material and/or configuration of the
anode, the characteristics of the X-ray photons (such as energy
level and/or frequency) being generated by the at least one emitter
portion can be controlled or altered. Such controlling and/or
altering of the X-rays being emitted can control and/or alter the
at least one substantially scattered depth range to the at least
one prescribed substantially scattered depth, and thereby the at
least one visualization, imaging, or information providing depth
range to the at least one prescribed visualization, imaging, or
information providing depth, being performed by certain embodiments
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 as described in this disclosure. Certain other uses of
anode wheels is known in certain conventional X-ray tubes, which
can function largely to maintain all portions of the anode within
acceptable temperature ranges by altering the portion of the anode
wheel which the electron flow contacts, and is therefore being
instantaneously heated by the electron flow. The anode wheels could
also include a motive mechanism (not shown) to allow suitable
rotation and/or displacement of the anode wheel (either
rotationally and/or axially) such as may utilize a stepper motor, a
pneumatic drive, an electric motor, etc. Certain embodiments of the
anode wheel could also include a variety of control mechanisms (not
shown) to control such rotation and/or displacement. A variety of
such control, rotation, and/or displacement mechanisms are
generally understood by those skilled in the anode wheel art.
[0215] Certain embodiments of the anode 834 can thereby be
configured to generate the X-ray photons at controllable and/or
adjustable energy levels, frequencies, or other characteristic
based at least in part on the characteristic of the electron flow
being applied to the anode 834, and additionally on the material of
the anode 834. As such, it may be possible to generate X-rays
having particular characteristics by selecting particular materials
(e.g., different metals) or configurations of the anode that can be
either shifted in position relative to (e.g., in front of) the
electron flow. Additionally, moving or angling the anode relative
to the electrons (or vice versa) may result in different
characteristics of the applied X-ray. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can thereby be adjusted or controlled by shifting or steering
the electron flow relative to the anode 834 such that the portion
of the anode which the electron flow contacts may be made of
multiple varied materials and/or configurations. Certain
embodiments of the anode 834 can be configured in the shape of a
wheel (e.g., to form an anode wheel) that when rotated can result
in positioning of the desired metal in contact with the electron
flow such as to provide control and/or adjustment of the applied
X-rays.
[0216] There can be a variety of additional components that can be
applied to certain embodiments of the emitter portion 150 within
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 as described with respect to
FIGS. 8 and/or 9. Certain embodiments of the at least one emitter
portion 150 can further include a collimator or X-ray lens 842 that
can focus, angle, or direct the photons emitted from the emitter
portion as desired. Certain embodiments of the X-ray lens or
collimator 842 can be controllable such as to provide control of
such Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing processes as emitter portion directability, signal or
image filtering, image zooming, starting, stopping, or pausing
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing, signal or image processing, etc.
[0217] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can utilize an
optional vacuum (at least partially evacuated) portion 854, as
described with respect to FIGS. 8 and/or 9, which can be utilized
to limit contact of the electrons of the electron flow traveling
from the cathode 832 to the anode 834 with extraneous gas, air,
suspended solids, liquid, and/or other minute particles suspended
in the air. As such, certain embodiments of the optional vacuum (at
least partially evacuated) portion 854 can limit interaction of the
photons with additional particles. Additionally, certain
embodiments of the vacuum portion 854 may thereby be configured to
at least partially limit combustion of certain of the electronic
components contained therein as a result of the heat being
generated upon the exposure to air. Certain embodiments of the
vacuum (at least partially evacuated) portion 854 can thereby be
configured as a vacuum tube, such as may be configured as an
interlumenal X-ray source and is generally understood by those
skilled in the X-ray tube technologies.
[0218] Certain embodiments of a capacitor 830 can optionally be
arranged in an electronic circuit including the power source 836
and the cathode 832 as described with respect to FIG. 8. Certain
embodiments of the cathode 832 can be configured with the capacitor
830 to store particular levels of electric voltage such as can be
applied to the cathode 832, and subsequently released as desired as
the electron flow via the electron emitter tip 850.
[0219] While this disclosure describes certain embodiments of the
at least one emitter portion 150, it is to be understood that any
mechanism that can transmit X-rays whose frequency, energy level,
or other characteristic can be controlled or adjusted may be used
in certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100. The embodiments of the at
least one emitter portion 150 as described in this disclosure with
respect to FIGS. 1, 8, 9, as well as other locations in this
disclosure, is intended to be illustrative in nature, but not
limiting in scope. As mentioned in this disclosure, for example,
certain embodiments of the the emitter portion 150 could be at
least partially replaced by an optical-generating portion as
described with respect to FIG. 9. It is envisioned that the at
least one emitter portion 150 can thereby be configured slightly
differently in operation and/or configurations, such as to generate
photons in a different manner, but are still intended to be within
the scope of the present disclosure as being within the claimed
limitations. For example, the vacuum (evacuated) portion 854, such
as a vacuum tube, may include one or more discrete emitter tip
elements or one or more (carbon) nanotubes be configured as the
electron emitter tip 850 as described with respect to FIG. 9.
[0220] Certain embodiments of the emitter portion 150 of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100, as described with respect to FIGS. 8 and 9, may therefore be
adjustable and/or controllable such as by being configured for
repositioning, angling, filtering, or some other suitable
technique. For instance, certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
include a stepper motor such as may be configured such that it can
pan and tilt, thereby providing some control and/or adjustment to
emitted photons that can be emitted by the at least one emitter
portion 150. Such stepper motors may thereupon be considered to
represent one illustrative embodiment of an adjustment or control
portion that can also be accomplished by use of a photon lens or
collimator 842.
[0221] Certain embodiments or configurations of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as
described with respect to FIG. 1, can visualize, image, and/or
provide information teeth, dental plates or surfaces 168, etc. such
as may be used by dentists, oral hygienists, etc. as described with
respect to FIG. 22. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can allow
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing of at least one tooth at one or more angles, positions,
magnifications, etc. as desired. The particular display portion 151
that may be selected may be based upon user preference, ease of
use, design choice, etc. The embodiment of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as
illustrated in FIG. 22, could be attached to a probe, for example.
Similar user configurations of certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be applied to tools being used by doctors, surgeons, veterinarians,
as well as other users as described in this disclosure. As the
visualization, imaging, or information providing can be performed
by certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 from a number of different
angles, positions, etc., it may be desired to display at least the
display portion reflect the change in angle, position, etc.
[0222] As the user/dentist, as illustrated in FIG. 22, moves or
repositions the probe, it might be preferred to have the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 to
adequately reflect the angle or position of the visualization,
imaging, or information providing. With sufficient changes of the
angle, material of the anode, and/or position of the visualization,
imaging, or information providing, certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can derive and/or display a three-dimensional model of the one
or more teeth. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can therefore
provide information or images such as to determine where and/or how
to treat the at least the portion of the individual (patient).
Certain dental embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be applied to a
dental drill, and thereupon be displayed at a location and
magnification such as can be made viewable and/or visible to the
user. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 that are
operatively associated with certain tools, tactile providers, etc.
need not be directly connected (or may be removably connected, to
the tool, tactile provider, etc.
[0223] Certain of the images can also be provided to the patient as
well using the same or other Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100, when attached to a tool performing a desired operation, can
act as a double check to ensure the tooth being imaged by the user
is indeed the one that should be dealt with. For example, a dentist
can check that the correct tooth is being drilled. A doctor can
ensure the correct arm, leg, or other body part is being treated,
etc. There can be a large variety of tools that may be used by such
users as surgeons, assistants, veterinarians, dentists, etc. as
generally understood to be used in each particular area. It is
envisioned that certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may be applied to a
variety of tools and/or tactile feedback devices that could benefit
by use with visualization, imaging, or information providing, as
described in this disclosure.
[0224] The location of the drill or other tool including certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 as taken relative to the decayed or
damaged portions of the teeth can be detected on a substantially
real-time, intermittent, or as desired basis. Certain embodiments
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can be configured to provide tactile feedback, which
in the case of a dentists are dental assistant would be useful in
determining the security of a tooth, the degree of tooth decay
within a particular tooth, the security of braces, caps, filling,
dental plates, or other device within the individual. By using
certain dental depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100, it may not be necessary for dental
patients to use conventional X-ray plates (positioned between the
teeth of the person that has to be bitten down by the person)
during dental X-rays thereby making dental visits more
pleasant.
[0225] Such dental depth visualizing, imaging, or information
providing can be performed substantially parallel to the drilling
or other. As such, the user such as the dentist or dental hygienist
can be provided an improved indication of where they are drilling
or treating relative to damaged or decayed teeth. Certain
embodiments the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be configured as clinic, emergency, or
home-test kits, by which people could check the state of certain
illness shows, sicknesses, injuries, painful or uncertain
orthodontia, gum, dental, skin, or other conditions, etc. The user
can thereby be provided with considerable detail as to the
condition of, or decay within the teeth from particularly desired
angles.
[0226] Additionally, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can allow
depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing of the gums,
portion of teeth hidden by the gum, and other matter and portions
within or close to the mouth that may be useful for dental use.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can visualize, image, and/or
provide information the relating to teeth, gums, tongue, blood
vessels or pools, or other general aspects, etc. Certain dental
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can operate through the cheeks, and as
such the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can be situated either at partially external to, or at
least partially internal of the at least the portion of the
individuals mouth.
[0227] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can provide
"freezing" the state of certain depth visualizations, images,
and/or provided information as desired by the user or operator, or
alternately as controlled by the Compton visualization, imaging,
and/or information providing controller. Such freezing of the depth
visualizations, images, and/or provided information can include
maintaining an image of the at least the portion of the individual
displayed on the display portion 154 and/or the Compton scattered
X-ray receiving assembly 151. Since generating new images may
require an application of applied X-rays 120 to the at least the
portion of the individual, it may be desired to limit such
application of the applied X-rays. As such, certain users can
judiciously control the application of X-rays to the at least the
portion of the individual, the user, and/or others in the vicinity
during the Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing by certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider.
[0228] Certain dental or orthodontia embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 of
FIG. 22 can also be used to visualize, image, or provide
information relating to teeth of human individuals wearing braces.
It is presently difficult, if not impossible, to accurately X-ray
image teeth covered by brace bands, wires, etc. due to the
distortions caused by the wires, bands, etc. Certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can provide such accuracy and limited spatial scope of
visualization, imaging, or information providing, as to allow
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing from a single uncovered face of a tooth (e.g., biting
surface). As such, certain teeth covered by braces, bands, etc can
be visualized, imaged, or have information provided thereto,
potentially from a variety of controllable and/or adjustable
angles, positions, etc., during orthodontia treatment. Teeth,
dental surfaces, fillings, etc. can be visualized, imaged, or have
information provided from a variety of angles, positions, etc. such
as to provide an improved indication of their configuration,
solidity, health, etc. The amount of, and reliability of, dental
treatment that can be performed based at least in part on X-rays
can thereby be increased during orthodontia treatment.
[0229] While this disclosure have described certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 as being substantially externally-applied devices, it
should also be understood that certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider can be
an at least partially internal device. Such at least partially
internal devices can be applied to within the at least the portion
of the individual using a scope, a needle, through an incision, via
a normally open opening, and/or via a normally closed opening.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can therefore be integrated at
least partially a scope devices such as an endoscope embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100, as described with respect to FIG. 23. Such
scope-based embodiments could be applied via normally open
openings, incisions, punctures, etc. to the interior of the at
least the portion of the individual.
[0230] Certain endoscope embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as illustrated in
FIG. 23, can include a scope portion 134 or an illumination portion
136, whose operation and structure is generally understood to those
skilled in the scope arts. The illumination portion 134 could be
used to provide the applied X-rays as described elsewhere to the
individual, which thereupon can be scattered. Certain endoscope
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can thereupon be configured to receive the
scattered X-rays, viewable and/or visible light, visualization,
image, or provided information from the individual.
[0231] The scope embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can include a
variety of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151 can include a scintillator (and/or fluoroscope),
perhaps with a photomultiplier as described in this disclosure to
amplify a relatively weak viewable and/or visible-light output.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151 can include a fluoroscope as generally known in the
art which may operate in certain ways similar to the scintillator
(and/or fluoroscope). Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray receiving assembly 151 can include a detector portion in
combination with a display portion as described with respect to
FIG. 1 in this disclosure. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be at least partially adapted with, or at least partially
configured to act as, a variety of tools. Such tools can include,
but are not limited to: a Bovie electrocautery device as generally
understood in the art, an ablator, a cutter, a gamma knife, a
scalpel, a saw, a tactile feedback provider, a contact-type probe,
a dental drill, etc.
[0232] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may be configured
as being attached a scope, tube, catheter, or other instrument or
tool that can be configured to be inserted into the at least the
portion of the individual. For example, certain endoscope
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider can be configured as described with respect to
FIG. 23. Certain configurations of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may be provided
with the emitter portion being situated relative to an endoscope
via a surgical implant, and thereby may be similar to other
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider in certain ways, but with the emitter portion
placed inside the individual.
[0233] Certain scope-based embodiments of the emitter portion 150,
as described with respect to FIG. 23, may be largely applied to an
internal portion of the individual such as to include an
interluminal X-ray source; while other embodiments of the emitter
portion may be applied to an external portion of the individual.
Certain embodiments of the emitter portion 150 may be powered by a
variety of power sources (traditional or non-conventional)
including, but not limited to, solar cells that may include
traditional or untraditional power sources. For example, the
emitter portion may be fed by one or more optical fibers, for
example to power the at least one emitter portion 150, the at least
one detector portion 152, and/or the at least one display portion
154. Certain optically fed embodiments of the emitter portion 150
may also include automated shutdown or other safety aspects
relating to emission of X-ray based electromagnetic radiation.
Certain embodiments of the emitter portion 150 may be implanted
within the at least the portion of the individual such as to allow
visualization, imaging, or information providing (using certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151)
on a more continuous basis. Such implants of at least portions of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can be particularly useful for difficult to access
portions of the body, such as the heart, brain, or certain other
organs or regions of the body, etc.
[0234] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to control X-ray generation and/or direction at least partially by
accelerating or directing electrons for X-ray production. Such
accelerating or directing the electrons can effectively reduce
X-ray path length, and hence limit multiple Compton scattered X-ray
events. Certain embodiments of the at least one emitter portion
150, and/or at least one detector portion 152 can be configured
such as by being placed by a scope or other such device in a
normally open opening, normally closed opening, or other lumen,
such as colon, esophagus, mouth, throat, stomach, blood vessels,
lungs, gut, etc.
[0235] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can also be applied
to cranial, brain, or spinal depth visualizing, imaging, or
information providing. It may be difficult to visualize, image,
and/or provide information within the skull using certain
conventional imaging modalities, as a result of deflections of
certain electromagnetic radiation within the interior (e.g.,
substantially concave) surface 168 of the skull and the associated
distortions. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to access the brain via such openings in the skull as the ear
sockets, mouth opening, and/or sinuses. Such Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing of the brain
through such key-hole opening should experience relatively limited
visualization, imaging, or information providing distortion, as
compared with Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing at least partially through the skull, boney
matter, or other such X-ray distorting or shielding regions.
[0236] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to be applied to relatively small regions of the body, and thereby
apply relatively small overall dosages of X-rays. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging,
or information providing can be controllably or adjustably applied
in small regions, from different angles, etc., than certain
conventional full-scale X-ray or certain conventional tomography
imagers.
[0237] For instance, certain X-ray tomography-type Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
imagers can capture a visualization, image, or provide information
by scanning a series of scans relatively shallow into the at least
some matter of the at least one portion of the individual from a
variety of angles and/or positions. Such scanning can be performed
using a variety of respective applied X-rays and/or scattered
X-rays that can be respectively applied/received using respective
arrays of emitter portion(s) 150 or Compton scattere X-ray
receiving assemblies 151; or alternately one or more of the
respective emitter portions and/or the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assemblies 151 that can be moved, scanned, angled, or
otherwise repositioned. For instance, the certain array embodiments
of the emitter portion 150 or Compton scattere X-ray receiving
assemblies 151 can be configured to roughly conform to the general
shape of the portion of the individual being imaged, or alternately
in some other configuration. As the distinct emitter portion
element(s) 150 are actuated to provide the applied X-rays 120, then
the corresponding embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151 can collect the data corresponding to the
visualization, image, or provided information for each emitter
portion element(s) including some unknowns relating to particular
visualization, imaging, or information providing limitations. As a
number of the distinct emitter portion element(s) 150 that direct
the applied X-rays 120 under different directions, positions,
energy levels, or other conditions decreases, the number of
unknowns relating to particular visualization, imaging, or
information providing limitations for at least some matter of the
at least the portion of the individual correspondingly decreases,
and a more complete and accurate visualization, image, or provided
information can be obtained using tomographic techniques.
[0238] A similar tomographic technique or embodiment of the of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can be applied to directing one or more emitter portion(s) 150
or Compton scattere X-ray receiving assemblies 151 at different
positions, angles, energy levels, etc. Such techniques can involve
physically repositioning and/or angling of the emitter portion 150
and/or the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151
itself/themselves such as to follow a scan, circular motion around
the at least the portion of the individual, or other type of
translation, angling, repositioning, changing of energy levels,
etc. Alternately, a redirecting device of the applied X-ray or
Compton scattered X-ray can be used, such as a filter, lens,
modulator, shield, collimator, endoscope or other bendable,
movable, or twistable scope or other emitter portion could be used
in different embodiments, as described in this disclosure.
[0239] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can, by using low
energy applied X-rays 120, provide a relatively low-power version
of the applied X-ray beam 120 which can be highly suited for
intracranial visualization, imaging, or information providing and
examination. The power of the applied X-ray beam may generally be
configured or set at a level to be insufficient to penetrate, in
large numbers, to another region that may not be depth visualized,
imaged, or information provided. Such would be the case of brain
depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing to limit
transmission of excessive doses of X-rays to the cranium, brain,
brainstem, embryo, or other such the region, etc.
[0240] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can therefore be
configured to visualize, image, and/or provide information in the
brain, or other intracranial tissue. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 could operate with relatively high resolution, or alternately
with lower resolution as desired or designed compared to other
imaging modalities, and may thereby be similar in certain aspects
to that of conventional MRI. Certain embodiments of the at least
one emitter portion 150 can thereby be configured to use
mono-energetic, collimated, or other sources. When using at least
partially internal (e.g., in-body) embodiments of the at least one
emitter portion 150, it may be possible to increase X-ray capture
fraction by having multiple in-body detector portions 152, not just
a single detector portion associated with the emitter portion. With
the different embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, it is likely to be
desired to limit dosages of X-rays as applied to the at least the
portion of the individual 82 and/or the user (e.g., physician,
dentist, veterinarian, assistant, researcher, etc.).
[0241] A variety of embodiments of the at least one detector
portion 152 can be associated with the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 as described at
various locations in this disclosure. Certain embodiments of the at
least one detector portion 152 may be considered as functionally
associated with the at least one display portion 154, since the at
least one display portion may be configured to display a version
(which may be resized, filtered, scanned, computed, and/or
otherwise modified) of what was detected by the at least one
detector portion.
[0242] Certain embodiments of the at least one detector portion 152
and/or the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151, as
included in certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, can be configured
of various sizes, shapes, configurations, and may include a single
detector portion or an array of detector portion elements. For
example, those embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151 utilizing a distinct detector portion 152 and 154 as
described with respect to FIG. 18 differ from those scintillator
(and/or fluoroscope) embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly utilizing a combined detector and display
portion as described with respect to FIG. 20. The dimensions of
each detector portion element and/or the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151 can be selected based on such criteria as
the desired application, usage, and/or the desired or designed
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing resolution.
[0243] A variety of depth visualizations, images, and/or provided
information including, but not limited to, tomography depth
visualizations, images, and/or provided information can be
constructed by scanning the X-ray beam received at the at least one
detector portion 152 over a volume of interest of the at least the
portion of the individual 82. As such, the at least one detector
portion 152 may be considered as detecting the Compton scattered
rays, with time-of-flight, spectral, and/or spatial resolution of
the Compton scattered X-rays or other electromagnetic radiation.
Specific X-ray energies can be used by the at least one detector
portion to detect spectral features (e.g. absorption edges or
fluorescence spectra) of specific X-rays received (e.g., Compton
scattered) from particular ones of the at least the portion of the
individual 82. The targeted portion of the individual can be at
least partially endogenous, such as being produced from within the
at least the portion of the individual (such as iron in blood, or
calcium in tumors). Alternately, the targeted portion can be at
least partially exogenous such as being produced outside of the at
least the portion of the individual (e.g. high-Z contrast agents
that migrate, bind, or are otherwise introduced into regions of
interest). The emitted flux, energy level, or frequency of each
X-ray photon can be tuned as to detect particular structures,
organs, materials, etc. at certain depths and/or regions, as being
detected by the at least one detector portion 152.
[0244] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider can thereby capture a
series of depth visualizations, images, and/or provided
information, in which the at least one emitter portion and/or the
at least one detector portion can operate sequentially utilizing
feedback by the user and/or visualization, imaging, or information
providing controller 97. Such control and subsequent feedback can
be used as to alter and/or control the relative position, angle,
magnification, or other aspect of the subsequent depth
visualizations, images, and/or provided information. The initial
depth visualizations, images, and/or provided information that have
been captured can thereupon be displayed to the user at least
partially using the at least one display portion 154 and/or the
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151. The location,
magnification, angle, and/or other characteristics of the
subsequent depth visualizations, images, and/or provided
information can be determined, at least in part, from the results
of the prior depth visualizations, images, and/or provided
information based at least partially on user input.
[0245] By allowing capturing of sequentially adjustable depth
visualizations, images, and/or provided information, the users
and/or individuals can observe the at least the portion of the
individual 82 as they may desire. As such, the depth visualizing,
imaging, or information providing being performed by the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be adjusted and/or controlled. Consider that with certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100, a user such as a physician, dentist,
technician, assistant, etc. can obtain some preliminary depth
visualizations, images, and/or provided information from certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider to locate a desired examining feature.
Thereupon, the depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing
can be adjusted in subsequent images such as more closely or more
accurately scan or examine at a desired location, angle, etc., such
as to scan or examine for a cancerous growth.
[0246] Alternately, the user can use some embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
to locate a desired organ or the at least the portion of the
individual 82. Thereupon, the Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing as performed by
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be modified, altered,
repositioned, magnified, etc. such as to more closely or more
accurately examine some aspect of the desired examining feature at
a variety of angles, positions, magnifications, etc. Each one of
the respective at least one emitter portion 150, at least one
detector portion 152, at least one display portion 154, and/or the
at least one combined detector/display portion 155 (e.g.,
scintillator and/or fluoroscope), can be respectively fabricated
and/or respectively formed.
[0247] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as described at a
variety of locations through this disclosure, may alternately be
scintillator-based and/or fluoroscope-based. Certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 may allow feedback techniques to allow users and/or
visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97.
Such feedback techniques may alter and/or control Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing of
subsequent depth visualizations, images, and/or provided
information based at least in part on results or user input based
on prior captured visualization, imaging, or information providing.
Certain embodiments of the at least one Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151, including the at least one display portion
154 as combined with the at least one detector portion 152, can
therefore be configured as a scintillator and/or fluoroscope, as
described with respect to FIG. 20. With scintillator or fluoroscope
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly,
X-ray photons can be converted to viewable and/or visible photons
as described with respect to this disclosure.
[0248] Certain embodiments of the scintillators or fluoroscopes can
be configured including a substance that can absorb such
electromagnetic radiation as X-rays, and thereupon can fluoresce,
or otherwise provide such as by Compton scattered X-ray or other
imaging mechanism, viewable and/or visible light (viewable and/or
visible photons) at a characteristic X-ray frequency or energy
level depending upon the received X-ray radiation. The fluorescing
of the viewable and/or visible light may, as generally understood
by those skilled in the art, be viewed as releasing the previously
absorbed energy into or from the X-ray photons.
[0249] Certain embodiments of the at least one Compton scattered
X-ray receiving assembly 151 of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can therefore be
configured to include scintillators and/or fluoroscopes can convert
the scattered X-rays directly to viewable and/or visible light,
without associated detectors and displays associated with certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151.
Certain configurations of conventional scintillators or
fluoroscopes can be configured as optical detectors, displays,
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing, etc. such as described with respect to U.S. Pat. No.
7,057,187 to Yun et al., entitled Scintillator Optical System and
Method of Manufacture (incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety). Certain embodiments of scintillator can be used for
medical depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing as
described with respect to U.S. Pat. No. 6,895,077 to Karellas et
al., entitled System and Method for X-Ray Fluoroscopic Imaging
(incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Certain
conventional CAT scanners utilize scintillator technology.
[0250] It is likely that the scintillator (and/or fluoroscope)
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 might be useful in screening the at least
the portion of the individual, perhaps at shallow depths and/or for
homogeneous matter (using Compton or fluoroscopy techniques), for
skin aberrations, such as cancers, tumors, lesions, etc. As such,
the user might scan the users for such aberrations that might occur
near the surface 168, and the image processing associated with
depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing such
aberration with particular concern about processing Compton
scattered X-rays Compton scattered X-ray at different depth being
limited.
[0251] Certain scintillator (and/or fluoroscope) embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 may be characterized in this disclosure by the characteristics
of their viewable and/or visible photonic output. The
characteristics of their viewable and/or visible photonic output
can include, but are not limited to, e.g., strength, energy level,
and/or frequency of emitted viewable and/or visible photons as a
function of absorbed X-ray electromagnetic radiation, fluorescence
decay times, and/or optical transparency at wavelengths of their
emitted viewable and/or visible electromagnetic radiation and/or
other such factors. Scintillators (and/or fluoroscopes) may thereby
be considered as operating by translating X-ray electromagnetic
radiation into viewable and/or visible light electromagnetic
radiation. As such, at least certain X-rays detected by the at
least one detector portion 152 may be viewed by the user (or
individual) without the necessity of at least one distinct display
portion(s) 154.
[0252] The lower the decay time of certain embodiments of the
scintillator and/or fluoroscopes (i.e., the shorter the duration of
its flashes of fluorescence), the less so-called "dead time" or
delay the detector portion will have and the more ionizing events
per unit of time it will be able to detect. The excited atoms can
thereupon lose some of this excess energy resulting from the dead
time by emitting some viewable and/or visible photons. The amount
of viewable and/or visible light produced by the scintillator
and/or fluoroscope (and thereby the intensity of viewable and/or
visible light output by the display portion) can, in certain
embodiments, be amplified by a "photomultiplier" that is
operationally included in the scintillator and/or fluoroscope.
Certain embodiments of the scintillator and/or fluoroscope of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100, as described in this disclosure with respect to FIG. 20, can
include the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151
including a combined detector portion 152 and/or display portion
154. Such combined embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151 can visualize, image, and/or provide
information based at least in part on the received photons Compton
scattered off the at least the portion of the individual.
[0253] The scintillator-based and/or fluoroscope-based embodiments
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can be useful to provide real-time or near real time
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing of the at least the portion of the individual.
Additionally, certain scintillator-based and/or fluoroscope-based
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be configured to be adjusted to alter
subsequent Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing based on user or controller feedback, or
other such aspects. For example, a region that is being visualized,
imaged, or have information provided can be modified, angled,
magnified, filtered, etc. such as to provide closer examination or
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing. Certain "scintillator" and/or fluoroscope embodiments of
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can be computationally intensive, while other embodiments can
view the image directly. By angling the emission of the applied
X-ray by the emitter portion 150, the reception of the scattered
X-ray by the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 and/or
the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151, certain
ambiguity as to the shape or configurations or aberrations,
junctions, dissimilarities, etc. of the matter can be determined.
Such angling, etc. can be provided either visually by the user, or
by using image process techniques by the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97.
[0254] Certain scintillator and/or fluoroscope embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can thereby be fabricated from, and therefore include, certain
materials which can "convert" an X-ray photon to a viewable and/or
visible photon. Certain embodiments of scintillators and/or
fluoroscopes can amplify a relatively weak photonic X-ray signal
such as by utilizing a photomultiplier (typically for each
scintillator and/or fluoroscope element). One advantage of
amplifying a relatively weak photonic signal is that an adequate
depth visualization, image, or provided information can be obtained
while subjecting the patient to a much lower dose of X-rays.
Certain embodiments of Charge Coupled Devices (CCDs) may be
associated with certain embodiments of the at least one detector
portion 152 and/or the Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
151. Such embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151 may be referred to in this disclosure as
"scintillators" "fluoroscopes", "film screens", or "scintillation
counters". Certain embodiments of scintillators and/or fluoroscopes
may thereby be considered as direct semiconductor detector portions
since they may not be largely computational-based to derive depth
visualizations, images, and/or provided information. Certain
embodiments of scintillators and/or fluoroscopes can be generated
using signal amplification or computer amplification
techniques.
[0255] Certain exemplary embodiments of scintillators and/or
fluoroscopes may be configured as semiconductor detector portions
152, which may be based on converting X-ray photons to
electron-hole pairs in the semiconductor, and the electron-hole
pairs are thereupon obtained to detect the X-rays. It may be is
possible to directly determine the X-ray energy spectrum using
so-called called energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy; and such
techniques may additionally be used in small X-ray fluorescence
spectrometers. These detector portions are sometimes called "solid
detectors". Medical visualization, imaging, or information
providing applications of scintillators and/or fluoroscopes in can
rely on the concept that certain semiconductor diodes will thereby
produce a small amount of current when placed in an X-ray beam.
[0256] Certain types of silicon drift detectors (SDDs), such as may
be produced by semiconductor fabrication, can provide a relatively
high resolving X-ray radiation detection measurement, and thereby
be useful for certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151. Certain scintillators and/or fluoroscopes,
when combined with semiconductor detectors, can provide indirect
detection of X-ray radiation. With the advent of large
semiconductor array detectors it has become possible to design
detector systems using a scintillator and/or fluoroscope screen to
convert from X-rays to viewable and/or visible light which is then
converted to electrical signals in an array detector, such as may
be used to provide visibility to the human eye. Such signal
processing and image processing techniques as filtering,
amplifying, resizing, etc. can be applied to scintillator-based
and/or fluoroscope-based embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, such as to improve
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing.
[0257] Certain embodiments of the at least one emitter portion 150
can be dispersive such as to apply X-ray based electromagnetic
radiation at the at least the portion of the individual 82; such as
may thereupon be detected by certain embodiments of the at least
one detector portion 152. As such, certain portions of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be associated with or include the emitter portion 150; while
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be associated with or
include the at least one detector portion 152.
[0258] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can therefore
visualize, image, and/or provide information relating to the at
least the portion of the individual that is physically separated
from the surface 168 of the at least the portion of the individual.
Such visualization, imaging, or information providing can rely on
image combination (e.g., image subtraction, time of flight, image
transformation, deconvolution, image subtraction, weighted
subtraction, functional subtraction, and group including inverse
integral transform, subtractive inverse integral transform, inverse
functional transform, and subtractive inverse functional transform,
or other such image processing techniques). The quality of such
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing can improve if the matter being imaged becomes more
consistent across the thickness of the imaged portion 352 (e.g.,
horizontally across the thickness 352 as shown in FIG. 15). As
such, as the thickness 352 of the at least one prescribed
visualization, imaging, or information providing depth becomes
thinner, and its consistency across the thickness becomes more
uniform, its depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing
consistency generally increases and the associated quality and/or
reliability of the visualizing, imaging, or information providing
quality generally increases.
[0259] Selection of a desirable or suitable thickness to image
particular matter (e.g. tissue, bones, teeth, etc.) within a
particular type of individual may depend, at least in part, on
empirical results. For example, scanning skin, muscle, or other
tissue across, may be performed in relatively thick slices as
compared with depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing
bone parts, nodules, or other matter that has a considerable amount
of void space or is inconsistent across its imaged thickness.
Suitable data, information, visualizations, images, etc. pertaining
at least partially to visualization, imaging, or information
providing of certain types of matter can be stored in the Compton
visualization, imaging, and/or information providing controller 97
(e.g. in a memory, database, or other suitable location), as
described with respect to FIG. 1. Or alternately, the
visualization, imaging, or provided information can be provided as
a written reference to the users and/or operators of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100,
such as could be accessed and/or set by the user and/or
operator.
[0260] There may be a variety of surgical applications of certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 that are now described with respect to
FIGS. 24 and 25. The particular suitable applications for certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 may be dependent upon the frequency,
energy, or other characteristics of the applied X-ray photons, as
well as the energy level and frequency of the applied X-ray photons
can be used for the X-ray Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100, for example, can be particularly suited or configured for
treatment and/or examination near the surface 168 such as skin of
the at least the portion of the individual 82, with normal skin
being illustrated in FIG. 24. By comparison, certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can be particularly suited or configured for treatment
and/or examination of at least a portion of the individual; even if
the portion of the matter being visualized, imaged, or information
provided is spaced a considerable depth distance from a surface
into matter of the individual 82 (as illustrated in FIGS. 18 and
20). This may be the case for treating person wishing to examine or
locate a particular individual's organ(s), bone(s), and/or other
regions that may be situated subsurface utilizing the at least one
visualization, imaging, or information providing depth range to the
at least one prescribed visualization, imaging, or information
providing depth from the surface 168.
[0261] For example, certain Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be utilized to visualize,
image, or provide information relating to some matter aberrations,
such as to a tumor, tissue contour, etc. (such as may be useful to
resect the visualized, imaged, or information provided aberration).
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be configured to control or
adjust the at least one visualization, imaging, or information
providing depth range to the at least one prescribed visualization,
imaging, or information providing depth during resection of a tumor
or aberrative matter. This may be accomplished by varying the
energy level, frequency, or other characteristics of the applied
X-ray photons (which may require reconfiguring of the at least one
emitter portion 150). Such resection can be accomplished in certain
instances by allowing the surgeon to visualize, image, and/or
provide information relating to tissue margins of the tumor using
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 based on its differential
density. The differential density may, in certain instances, be
either endogenous to the tissue, or enhanced by a contrast agent
which may not otherwise be viewable and/or visible using normal
human visual observation.
[0262] This use of certain Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information providers 100 therefore could allow the
surgeon to resect a lesion, tumor, etc. while limiting harm and
manipulation (or even removal) to adjacent healthy matter or
tissue. This can be useful in depth visualizing, imaging, or
information providing organs such as the brain that are
particularly sensitive to harm, manipulation, or removal of mater.
Additionally, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 might be configured
to allow the user (e.g., surgeon or assistant) to view the
aberration of the matter at a number of different angles. By
allowing the viewing at different angles, etc., it may be easier
for the user to appreciate the shape of the aberration, as well as
its proximity to adjacent structures such as nerves, blood vessels,
or other sensitive or other areas during particular operations or
procedures. By limiting such manipulation, contact, or removal or
sensitive matter during particular operations and/or procedures,
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 might likely be configured or
designed to perform more radical surgeries or procedures (that
might hurt the patient using other imaging techniques) than
presently allowable.
[0263] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to visualize, image, and/or provide information relating to the
depth of certain layers of the at least the portion of the
individual near the surface 168 (e.g., skin) as described with
respect to FIG. 24. This may used to examine or visualize, image,
and/or provide information relating to the depth of aberrative
matter such as tumors in skin as described with respect to FIG. 25.
With certain conventional imaging techniques, boundaries and/or
depth from the surface 168 may not be clear between different types
of matter (such as aberrative matter or tissue and normal matter or
tissue, different types of cells, etc.). With X-ray based
technologies, such as certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, certain
types of aberrative matter such as certain cancers, tumors, etc.
can be detected as a result of the associated calcification of the
matter of the cancers, tumors, etc.
[0264] For example, it is likely that the calcified aberrative
matter or tissue of such aberrative matter as breast cancer nodules
in skin will absorb a considerable amount of the X-ray based
electromagnetic radiation being applied as compared to the
non-cancerous matter. As such, certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be configured to indicate outlines, depths, regions, volumes, or
other such aberrative matter based on aberrative X-ray and/or
photonic characteristics of the aberrative matter as compared to
the normal matter (e.g., tissue). Additionally, aberrative matter
also may have different contrast enhancing properties from normal
matter. An example being a brain tumor can reduce the effectiveness
of the blood brain barrier, and thereby absorb certain contrast
agents to have visualization, imaging, or information provided
characteristics unlike adjacent brain tissue.
[0265] Certain users using certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be used to more easily detect or visualize, image, and/or provide
information relating to certain aberrative matter, etc. Such ease
of detection can allow for more easily location of a position,
extent, depth, and/or other aspects of the aberrative matter such
as can enhance simplification or effectiveness of examination,
removal, and/or treatment thereof. Removal of certain aberrative
matter can be performed using certain matter removal techniques
that may or may not be performed by certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider, or associated equipment, including but not limited to:
surgical cutting techniques, abrasive techniques, ablative
techniques (such as laser ablation), etc.
[0266] Consider that certain surgeons, doctors, veterinarians,
dentist, etc. may wish to completely locate and remove all (or at
least as much as practicable), or only portion of a particular
amount of such aberrations as aberrative or undesired matter
interspersed in normal matter or tissue (such as a tumor
interspersed in tissue, a cavity interspersed in a tooth, etc.).
For example, it may be desired to remove a melanoma (i.e., skin
cancer) completely as described with respect to FIG. 25 (or other
skin aberration), while leaving behind as much matter or tissue as
practicable.
[0267] As such, it may be necessary to visualize, image, and/or
provide information relating to the aberrative matter (e.g.,
associated with the melanoma, tumor, etc.) one or more subsequent
times such as to determine its precise extent. An initial
visualization, imaging, or information providing scan may be useful
in locating regions where certain matter aberrations such as
melanomas may exist, and subsequent visualization, imaging, and/or
information providing scans may be applied to each potential
located aberration as to be useful in determining the depth or
extent of each aberration. In addition, certain tomography type or
volumetric type embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be used to map
or determine, as accurately as practical or desirable, such
aberrations, etc. Certain skin aberrations may include aberrative
cells, colonies of cells, growths, or other dissimilar matter as
compared to neighboring normal matter, and the aberrative (e.g.,
cancerous) matter can be based at least partially on the depth to
which it has developed. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be configured to determine a depth of dissimilar matter feature
within the at least one normal matter.
[0268] Additionally, a brain tumor might be suitable for being
visualized, imaged, or information provided by certain embodiments
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100, including those embodiments of surgical tools
including the Compton scattered X-ray depth visualizer, imager,
tactile feedback provider, or information provider 100 that can
resect the tumor. As such, the tumor can be resected, with limited
adjacent brain tissue that is not infiltrated with tumor effected
by the resection. A low grade glioma is one example of a tumors
which the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 may assist in visually
differentiating.
[0269] If the feature of an aberration or dissimilar mater, such as
a tumor, cancerous matter, tooth decay, etc. is not removed
completely, the aberration may continue to grow. Such aberrations
as cancer or tumors may even grow uncontrollably, and even
metastasize. The surgeon may not be able to determine the depth
from a visual inspection or even one-time imaging techniques that
use certain conventional imagers. An aberrative growth could be
quickly examined, and the depth of the aberrative growth could be
reliably determined by a skilled user utilizing certain embodiments
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100. A dissimilar matter representing an aberration such
as a melanoma, if not treated and/or removed in time, may thereby
grow to an extent to be dangerous or even fatal.
[0270] The depth of certain matter aberrations such as melanomas
may correspond to their seriousness. For example, if a melanoma has
reached below a particular depth 362 as described with respect to
FIG. 25, then the probability that it has metastasized may increase
considerably. As such, there are a variety of medical situations
that vital information as to the seriousness of a patient's
condition could be obtained relatively and accurately using certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100. By utilizing a series of successive
images, such aberrations or abnoramlities as melanomas could be
examined from a variety of angles, magnifications, and/or positions
such as to make certain of their extent. It is likely that at least
certain melanomas, breast cancers, other tumors or cancers, etc.
can be imaged relative to adjacent matter either based on different
densities of the dissimilar matter or alternately using certain
contrast agent and/or fluoroscopy techniques.
[0271] As such, FIG. 24 shows an example of a partial
cross-sectional view of normal matter such as skin; while matter
such as skin including a dissimilar matter a melanoma is shown in
FIG. 25. Normal skin, for example, is typically made up of layers,
including the epidermis 370 and the dermis 372. As illustrated in
FIG. 25, a skin aberration or tumor such as a melanoma 360 can
develop within the skin, and can be measured by a number of
quantitative systems, two of which are referred to as "Breslow
Depth" and "Clark's Levels". Breslow Depth quantifies the
top-to-bottom measurement of the melanoma in millimeters, similar
to as shown by the arrow 362 in FIG. 25. By comparison, Clark's
Levels describe how far the melanoma has extended into the
particular layers of the skin. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as
described in this disclosure, can therefore be used to determine
the characteristics of a melanoma using the Breslow Depth and/or
the Clark's Level. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 as can be
applied to aberrative matter, such as tumors such as melanomas, are
intended to be illustrative in nature but not limiting in scope.
Determination of a suitable matter thickness or slice thickness for
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing may pertain to the likely presence or absence of matter
aberrations or other matter abnormalities or matter
inconsistencies.
[0272] As such, by viewing a matter aberration such as a tumor or
cancer at a number of angles, positions, magnifications, etc. using
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 as described with respect to
FIG. 25, it is likely that the true extent, depth, and condition of
their growth can be determined. Such re-examination or subsequent
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing of the at least the portion of the individual 82 can be
performed at a desired angle, position, etc. Such re-examination
can be based or selected, at least in part, on input from the user,
the individual, or a controller or computerized portion such as to
closely examine those regions of interest under a suitable
magnification, angle, position, etc.
[0273] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can rely on
advantages of X-ray technology. X-ray technology provides
advantages of being well developed, researched, understood,
trusted, etc. X-ray technology can be less expensive than certain
other visualization, imaging, or information providing
technologies. While certain aspects of X-ray Compton scattered
X-ray technology may be less developed than conventional X-ray
(e.g., transmissive) technologies, both types of X-ray technologies
can be utilized in a variety of medical or non-medical applications
including, but not limited to, medical, examination, surgery,
geological, security, structural, and other technologies.
[0274] By allowing subsequent controllable Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing as is the case
with certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 as described in this
disclosure, the users such as physicians, surgeons, dentists, etc.
can interactively examine the at least the portion of the
individual 82, in a manner as desired. For example, after a desired
at least the portion of the individual 82 is located by an initial
visualization, imaging, and/or information providing scan,
subsequent Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing scan(s) can further or more closely examine
the located portion. With certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider, the at
least the portion of the individual with at least part of their
body part being examined can interactively visualize, image, and/or
provide information relating to their condition using subsequent
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing if the output/display is provided to the at least the
portion of the individual 82. Such subsequent Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing can be
performed on a variety of matter in the at least the portion of the
individual.
[0275] As with a variety of radiographic visualization, imaging, or
information providing techniques, and particularly those utilizing
X-rays, it is important to consider the dosage effects of certain
electromagnetic radiation provided by the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 to the at least the
portion of the individual and/or the user. Certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can visualize, image, and/or provide information
relating to a series of depth visualizations, images, and/or
provided information sequentially, on a real time basis, at a
variety of resolutions, or over a large or small portion of the
individual. By judicious Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing using certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100, the radiation doses as applied to the at least the portion of
the individual and/or the user can be limited considerably,
particularly as compared with many conventional X-ray imaging
modalities.
[0276] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 are configured to
image by allowing X-rays to pass into, scatter from, and return
from a localized organ, matter, etc. Conventional transmissive
X-ray devices, by comparison, typically pass through the entire
thickness of the at least the portion of the individual being
imaged. For example, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be
configured by Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing a first general area, and thereupon depending
upon the initial visualization, image, or provided information. A
relatively minor number of visualizations, images, and/or provided
information (perhaps localized to small regions) can be examined to
consider in considerable degree, for example, one or more regions
of interest that have been located by the initial depth interest.
Such subsequent depth visualizations, images, and/or provided
information may be configured to limit exposure of the at least the
portion of the individual or the user to the doses of the original
depth visualizations, images, and/or provided information.
[0277] By allowing subsequent Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing with certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100, the condition of the at least the portion
of the individual may be clearly imaged and/or examined to
determine the condition of the at least the portion of the
individual. In certain instances, perhaps less drastic treatment
(e.g. radiation therapy, chemotherapy) and/or less imaging,
visualizing, and/or tests may need to be applied to the at least
the portion of the individual based on the more complete or
accurate visualization, imaging, or provided information results.
Such results may be obtained by (or the relatively precise
locating, visualizing, and/or imaging of) certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100. In certain instances, perhaps the growths, once
clearly examined, can be more accurately treated such as by direct
treatment of the relevant location, ablation, etc.
[0278] A variety of X-ray based electromagnetic radiation (applied,
returning/reflected, etc.) can be utilized for Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing purposes
when visualization, imaging, or information providing the at least
the portion of the individual. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as
described with respect to this disclosure, the emitter portion 150
can apply an applied X-ray 120 to the at least the portion of the
individual. FIG. 18 shows one representative embodiment of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
applying the X-ray (photonic-based electromagnetic radiation) down
to the at least one substantially scattered depth range to the at
least one prescribed substantially scattered depth within the at
least the portion of the individual 82 (e.g., human, shown in cross
section).
[0279] Certain embodiments of the at least one emitter portion 150
can thereby be positioned relative to the at least the portion of
the individual 82, either at least partially internally or at last
partially externally to the individual. Certain embodiments of the
at least one emitter portion can be configurable to emit the
applied X-ray 120 for a controllable depth into the matter of the
at least the portion of the individual 82. The subsequent Compton
scattered X-ray (scattered from the applied X-ray) can be detected
by the at least one detector portion 152 and/or the at least one
display portion. The visualization, imaging, and/or provided
information relating to information can thereby be derived at least
partially in response to Compton scattered X-ray of the X-ray based
electromagnetic radiation.
[0280] The emitter portion 150 of certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can be configured to generate at least some of the applied
X-ray 120, that can be applied and/or directed to the at least the
portion of the individual 82. Some of the applied X-ray 120 can be
applied by the at least one emitter portion 150 such as to at least
partially penetrate into the at least the portion of the
individual. During such instances as when penetrating into matter
of the at least the portion of the individual 82, the X-ray based
electromagnetic radiation of the applied X-ray can be at least
partially deflected, at least partially Compton scattered, and/or
at least partially passed through the at least the portion of the
individual 82. Compton scattered X-ray (backscatter, forward
scatter, or other) of at least some of the applied X-rays can
provide at least some of the Compton scattered X-ray 122 which can
be detected by certain embodiments of the at least one detector
portion 152, and/or the at least one Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151.
[0281] Certain examples of the other matter that can effect the
Compton scattered X-ray can include, for example: tissue, bones,
portions of bones, metal, etc. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may
be configured for Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging,
or information providing matter not normally associated with X-ray
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing. Such would be the case with locating interfaces between
two different types of matter including, but not limited to:
"normal" or "regular" opaque matter (such as tissue), as compared
with other aberration matter.
[0282] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to combine visualization, imaging, or information providing at
least partially by combining information obtained from the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100
with image information from another source (e.g., MRI, conventional
X-rays, other Compton scattering-based systems or portions thereof,
other embodiments of the Compton scattered x-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100, etc.). Such combinations may
take the form or function, for example, of depth, position, varying
depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing modalities,
etc.; and may include previously gathered depth visualizing
information.
[0283] Certain of such combined embodiments of Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be useful
for instance where the imaging capabilities of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may
be more limited such as to produce a real-time visualization,
imaging, or information providing, and thereupon integrating more
detail imaging from other imaging modalities. Although certain
aspects of the visualization, images, or provided information of
particular matter such as tissue, organs, bones, or other portions
of the individuals may not precisely match between certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 and the other conventional visualization,
imaging, or information providing modalities, it is likely that
each modality could be expected to be particularly useful for
particular applications, illnesses, injuries, etc.
[0284] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may also be
configured as to be able to visualize, image, or provide
information at a suitable rate considering the matter being imaged
and/or the ability of the user to be able to view the distortions.
There might be a variety of distortions of the matter which may be
particularly useful to visualize, image, or provide information.
For example, certain surgeons might be particularly interested in
considering the rate at which the heart beating causes deformation
of the heart muscle, or alters blood flow through portions of the
heart such as the aorta, valves, etc. By comparison, other surgeons
may be interested in considering somewhat slower motion of their
patients, such as how changes in the body position (e.g., leg or
arm position) may be reflected in variation in the associated
skeletal bones between successive depth visualization, imaging, or
providing information. Certain dentists or orthodontists might be
interested in how movement of the jaw can be reflected by changes
in the bite of the teeth of their patients.
[0285] As described with respect to FIG. 18, certain embodiments of
the emitter portion 150 can apply at least one applied X-ray 120 at
a desired, or controllable, angle. The depth visualizing, imaging,
or information providing angle of the applied X-ray radiation may
range from almost parallel, but still incident, to a surface 168 of
the at least the portion of the individual 82, to substantially
perpendicular to the surface 168 of the at least the portion of the
individual 82, and any angle there between). The characteristics of
the applied X-ray may include, but are not limited to, a suitable
and/or desired position, power, frequency, energy level, duration,
as well as a variety of other such characteristics.
[0286] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to include at least one detector portion 152 and/or display portion
154 that can be operable to be at least partially inserted into the
at least the portion of the individual. Such configurations can be
used to receive at least one Compton scattered X-ray that has been
Compton scattered in an at least one opaque matter of the at least
the portion of the individual. Certain embodiments of the detector
portion can be configured to be adjustable, alignable, scannable,
or otherwise modifiable; and may include such scopes as endoscopes
that may alternately be inserted through insertion or normally open
opening of the individual as is generally understood by the use of
an endoscope.
[0287] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151 might preferably be configured as combined detector
portion/display portions as described in this disclosure, such that
the visualizer, imager, and/or information provider might suitably
change as the user moves their vantage point, etc. relative to the
at least the portion of the individual. It may be desired to reduce
or limit the involved computation associated with depth
visualizing, imaging, or information providing. By comparison,
those embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 involved in depth visualizing,
imaging, or information providing relatively deep into the at least
the portion of the individual may include the distinct detector
portions and display portions. Additionally, certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can be applied in the at least one visualization,
imaging, or information providing depth range to the at least one
prescribed visualization, imaging, or information providing depth
relatively near the surface 168. Recall that such image combining
may utilize image subtraction, time of flight, image
transformation, deconvolution, image subtraction, weighted
subtraction, functional subtraction, and group including inverse
integral transform, subtractive inverse integral transform, inverse
functional transform, and subtractive inverse functional transform,
or other such image processing techniques. Such distinct detector
portions and display portions may be configured to computationally
differentiate images, visualizations, information, etc. using
certain image information. Additionally, such computationally
complex visualization, imaging, or information providing displays
as time of flight embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 (or high resolution
display portions) may benefit from the distinct detector portions
and display portions, which may also simplify the associated image
processing. These design choices are intended to be illustrative in
nature, but not limiting in scope.
[0288] Certain embodiments of the detector portion 152 may be
situated within the at least the portion of the individual 82,
adjacent to the at least the portion of the individual 82, or
external to the at least the portion of the individual 82. Either
one detector portion 152, or a plurality of detector portions, may
be provided either within the at least the portion of the
individual 82, adjacent to the at least the portion of the
individual 82, and/or external to the at least the portion of the
individual 82.
[0289] Within this disclosure, certain embodiments of the at least
one display portion 154 can be configured to display the X-ray
based electromagnetic radiation such as it has at least been
partially received from the at least the portion of the individual
82 by the at least one detector portion. As such, certain
embodiments of the at least one display portion 154 can be
configured to display X-ray illumination that can be Compton
scattered at least partially from the at least the portion of the
individual 82. Such Compton scattered X-ray illumination can be
based on the Compton scattered X-ray based electromagnetic
radiation that can be detected by the at least one detector portion
152.
[0290] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151 can include a variety of the at least one display
portion 154. Certain embodiments of the display portion 154 can
take a variety of forms that can include, but are not limited to: a
cathode ray tube (CRT) display portion, a liquid crystal display
portion (LCD) display portion, a personal display or information
provider portion (configured to display to one person), a
glasses-based display portion, a group display or information
provider portion (that can display depth visualizations, images,
and/or provided information to more than one person), a plasma
display portion, a medical display portion, a computer display
portion, a personal display assistant (PDA) display portion, or
such other displays that can at least partially provide a display
of at least the portion of the individual based at least in part on
the Compton scattered X-rays 122.
[0291] The selection as to whether the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151 includes distinct detector portions and
display portions, or combined detector portion/display portions can
be based at least partially based on functionality and/or desired
computation. For example, certain Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing applications
involving depth imaging, visualizing, or providing information from
the surface 168 to the at least one visualization, imaging, or
information providing depth range to the at least one prescribed
visualization, imaging, or information providing depth.
[0292] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151 may be configured as surgeon's glasses, or other
configuration, as illustrated in FIG. 26. Certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can be configured as personal devices, which can
thereby be used primarily by one person. By comparison, certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be used as group devices such as can
be used by two or more persons or users. Particularly, FIG. 26
shows one embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 including an embodiment of the
at least one display portion 154 configured as a personal display
(in this instance, surgeon glasses, dentist glasses, veterinarian
glasses, etc.), as described in this disclosure. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can thereby be configured as augmented
vision glasses. For instance, certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
utilize glasses, such as can be worn by surgeons in which at least
a portion of the glasses can be configured as a display, such
display portion could be viewed by the user. Certain embodiments of
the visualizing, imaging, or information provided as provided by
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be optically aligned to the
user. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can therefore be
configured as an X-ray backscatter device is used to deliver a
real-time 2D or 3D depth visualization, image, or information to
the surgeon. The depth visualizations or images can be presented to
the surgeon by means of an external monitor, head-mounted display,
or stereoscopic projection. The surgeon can select the depth (from
millimeters to substantially through the visualized, imaged, or
have information provided portion of the individual 82) at which
the visualization, image, or provided information is taken,
captured, etc.; the selected depth can be targeted by tuning the
intensity, energy level, or frequency of the X-ray photons in the
X-ray beam.
[0293] There may be a variety of configurations and/or utilizations
of certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100. For example, certain
personalized embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can present depth
visualization, image, or information to at least one person
particularly associated with the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider, similar to as
described with respect to FIG. 26. Certain personalized embodiments
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can be configured to be worn as personal devices, such
that each of the at least the portion of the individual 82 can
obtain the depth visualization, image, or information of the at
least the portion of the individual 82 in a manner similar to
glasses. For instance, in the embodiment of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 as described
with respect to FIG. 26, the emitter portion 150 can be situated
proximate the glasses-based embodiment of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 (e.g., on the
frame); adhered to the user at a remote location from the glasses
(e.g., on cloth, clothes, fabric, metal, or other material); or
alternatively situated at a remote location from the user.
[0294] Certain embodiments of the detector portion 152 of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100, as described with respect to FIG. 26, can thereby be described
as surgeons' glasses. The term "surgeon's glasses" is intended to
be illustrative and not limiting since these devices can be worn by
the user and illustrate visualizations and/or images, as well as
provide information, to the user or other person. Certain surgical
glass embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 may or may not contain optical
glasses at all. Certain surgical glasses are understood to perhaps
include an additional display portion (which may function as
typical optical glasses) such as can be viewed by a surgeon, or
alternatively may be provided as only a frame without the optical
glasses. Certain embodiments of the surgical glasses, can include,
for example, at least one liquid crystal display (LCD), at least
one light emitting diode (LED) or an embodiment of the Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 that can be secured by a
variety of mechanisms to nearby are to the user, such as can be
viewed by the user. With surgeon's glasses, a variety of display
portions can be provided to surgeons, etc. through a portion of
glasses, while other portions of the glasses allow the surgeon to
see during the operation.
[0295] By comparison, a number of embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100
could include at least one display portion 154 can be configured as
a group display or information provider portion. For example, FIG.
27 illustrates an instance in which a number of users could view
selected portion(s) of the individual through a group display 154,
as described in this disclosure such as could be viewed by a number
of users. For instance, the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can include an LCD display
portion, a CRT display portion, a television display portion, a
medical display portion, or other applicable embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider.
[0296] Certain of the applied X-ray 120, that are generated and/or
applied to the at least the portion of the individual 82 by certain
embodiments of the emitter portion 150, may thereupon after at
least partially passing into the at least the portion of the
individual 82 be subsequently Compton scattered and/or deflected.
Such Compton scattering and/or deflection can thereupon be detected
by the at least one detector portion 152, as described with respect
to FIG. 1. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, can include a
considerable number of detector portions 152 positioned, for
example, around an operation or examination room in which the
individual 82 is situated. The particular arrangement of a number
of the emitter portions 150 is largely considered to be a design
choice.
[0297] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to be adjustable, tunable, and/or controllable. Such adjustability,
tunability, and/or controllability can be used to adjust the energy
level or frequency of the X-ray photons of the applied X-rays; and
thereby affect the depth of Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing, into the at least some matter of
the at least the portion of the individual. Certain external
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 may be configured to be non-contact, with
an emitter portion 150 probe and/or detector portion 152 probe that
does not contact the surface 168 of the matter of the at least the
portion of the individual. Other embodiments adjustable, tunable,
and/or controllable do permit contact of the emitter portion 150
probe and/or detector portion 152 probe with the matter of the at
least the portion of the individual. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can provide a number of modalities of depth visualizing,
imaging, or information providing (traditional X-ray images,
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing, etc.) including, but not limited to, density and
elemental depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing
mode. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to provide considerable contrast, and thereby may be less dependent
on such variables as user skill in depth visualizing, imaging, or
information providing, etc.
[0298] Different versions of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to combine image information with that being performed by different
imagers that can produce images in one or a variety of different
formats and configurations. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be applied externally or internally, such as described relative to
certain locations in this disclosure. Certain external
configurations of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager,
or information provider 100 can utilize either full-body tomography
imaging enclosures or partial body tomography imaging enclosures,
similar to as generally used during MRIs, CAT scans, PET scans,
etc. By comparison, certain embodiments of the at least one emitter
portion(s) 151 for certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be
positioned around the room where the individual is situated. Such
configurations can be configured to improve the application of the
applied X-rays 120 towards the at least the portion of the
individual being imaged. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider could
used to obtain a CAT-grade or PET-grade tomography scan, based at
least in part on the configuration and structure of the at least
one emitter portions 150 and/or the at least one Compton scattered
X-ray receiving assembly 151.
[0299] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may be configured
to provide depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing
flexibility, as well as to conform to the at least the portion of
the individual being imaged as described with respect to FIG. 28.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be attached to a flexible
securing member (perhaps even being attached to the individual
using belts, Velcro, straps, or some other known fastener), such as
can be used to limit relative displacements between the visualizing
components and the at least the portion of the individual. For
example, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
as a fabric or jointed sleeve that can be at least partially tied
to, worn by, or attached to surround the at least part of the
patient, as described with respect to FIG. 28. Certain embodiments
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider can be embedded in, or attached to, clothing, fabric, or
other material that can be made distinctly for each individual, or
can be used by a number of individuals. Such flexible attachment
members may be especially desirable for monitoring or examining, or
otherwise visualizing, imaging, or providing information relating
to particular portion or organ of the individual, such as the
heart, brain, or other organs, tissue, or other matter.
[0300] For example, at least portions of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may be
applied to securing elements which can be maintained or secured
with respect to the at least the portion of the individual. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be flexibly applied to a more
extensive portion of the individual such as the torso; or a smaller
portion of the individual such as an arm, leg, finger, etc. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can at least partially include a sleeve or
other flexible portion that at least partially be affixed to and/or
surrounds the individual. For example, certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can be configured to limit relative motion between at least one
portion of the at least one Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151 relative to the at least the portion of the
individual. By limiting the relative motion between the at least
one emitter portion 150 and/or the at least Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151 with respect to the at least the portion of
the individual, a number of aspects of depth visualizing, imaging,
or information providing can be improved, such as clarity and
perhaps improved resolution.
[0301] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to act as a shield to limit transmission of X-rays outside of the
at least the portion of the individual. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 (particularly those flexible configurations as described with
respect to FIG. 28) can be configured to include X-ray shielding
material to shield users and/or individuals from the X-rays.
Consider that the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 as described in this disclosure could
include an X-ray shielding material such as could limit excessive
stray X-rays from passing away towards the user such as a doctor,
veterinarian, etc. Such users may be exposed to a higher total
dosage of X-rays after depth visualizing, imaging, or information
providing a number of individual patients, etc., as compared with
the individuals who are seldom imaged. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 may also shield at least some of the X-rays from passing to the
at least the portion of the individual. In certain instances, such
shielding may be removable, replaceable, and/or shiftable such as
to shield at least certain portions of the individual at one or
more locations depending on which emitter portions 150 and/or
detector portions 152 are being utilized.
[0302] Certain embodiments of the at least one emitter portion 150
and/or the at least one detector portion 152 can thereby be
configured as a hand-held and positional device as described with
respect to FIG. 29 such as can be positioned and/or used by the
user, the individual, or another person. Is envisioned that at
least portions of certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be
configured similar to a computer mouse (e.g., in dimension and/or
position), such as to allow a user to position the device from a
useful (and/or non-obstructive) user-selectable vantage point
relative to the individual. Certain hand-held devices can transmit
data to other detector or display devices, such as can be displayed
over displays, glasses, plasma, or a variety of at least portions
of certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151.
[0303] Certain portable or repositionable embodiments of at least
portions of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can utilize wireless and/or wired-based
communications relative to other controller and/or computer
portions associated therewith to effect data transfer, image
transfer, etc. Alternately, certain embodiments of the constant
scattered X-ray visualized, imaged, or information provided 100 can
include the display and/or simulator as to provide for
visualization, imaging, and/or provide information directly there
from. Certain user-selectable positionable Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 could be securable
in position by some securement or locking structure relative to the
matter of the at least the portion of the individual. Such
securement or fastener techniques can be used to limit excessive
motion of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 relative to the at least the portion of
the individual and/or improve depth visualizing, imaging, or
information providing capability or quality of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider. As
such, the emitter portion could be positioned and located as
desired. Certain embodiments of the emitter portion 150 could
include a mount that might hold the emitter portion 150 in
position, such as might limit the displacements of the emitter
portion to improve the Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing capabilities of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100. By
providing a hand-held and/or positionable device, certain users can
obtain a desired depth visualization or image at a desired location
without while the remainder of the user remains in a desired
viewing or other position and/or location.
[0304] With certain hand-held positionable embodiment of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100, relatively quick feedback rates may be particularly desirable
for Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing. Certain hand-held, positionable, or movable devices may
also be useful in providing Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing at a variety of locations and/or
angles of the individual such as may be controlled or adjusted by
the user, the individual, a machine (e.g., robot), or an other
person.
[0305] The emitter portion 150 and/or detector portion 152 can
thereby be configured as a remote device, or even a movable device
such as can be a hand-held device (perhaps similar in size or shape
as a computer mouse, or a digital camera as described with respect
to FIG. 29). Such movable, frame secured, securable, or other
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can thereby provide applied X-rays and/or
receive scattered X-rays from desired or controllable positionable
locations. For instance, a doctor could position certain
embodiments of the emitter portion adjacent the at least the
portion of the individual 82, such that particular subsurface
regions of the at least the portion of the individual can be
illuminated by or receive the X-ray based electromagnetic radiation
adjacent the at least the portion of the individual 82. Such
controllability or positionability of visualizing, imaging, or
information providing can be performed in a similar manner as a
user of a flashlight might apply the flashlight to certain
locations to optionally illuminate particular regions at which the
flashlight is directed. Similarly, a physician might position the
at least one detector portion 152 in close proximity to the
portion(s) of the individual being visualized, imaged, or
information provided. By comparison, certain embodiments of the
emitter portion can be configured as applying a relatively disperse
X-ray source that can generally apply X-rays to against large
regions (or at least regions of interest) of the at least the
portion of the individual 82. Different embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100
(i.e., surgeon positioning and/or region of room filling
embodiments of the at least one emitter portion 150, etc.) can be
used separately or in combination, and are intended to be
illustrative in nature but not limiting in scope.
[0306] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151 and/or the display can be positioned in close
proximity to the at least the portion of the individual, as
described with respect to FIG. 30. For example, the at least one
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 that is Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing a
bone in a forearm may be positioned adjacent the forearm, perhaps
even in a position that may be viewable by the user and/or the
user. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can utilize at
least one fiducial 1052 to assist in locating the visualized,
imaged, or information provided portion. The embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 as described with
respect to FIG. 31 can be configured for depth visualizing,
imaging, or information providing relatively deep portions of the
individual, such as skeletal systems, organs, certain internal
blood vessels, etc. It is likely that such embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 that act deep into the matter of the individual can also apply
the applied X-rays including at least some X-ray photons having
sufficient energy level that can pass deep into the individual.
Such deep visualizing, imaging, or information providing would
likely utilize the image processing techniques as described with
respect to FIGS. 18 and 19, for example.
[0307] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as described with
respect to FIGS. 30 and 31, can include a framework 3010 and be
configured such as to contain at least the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151 (not shown in these figures). Certain
embodiments of the framework can be used to be positioned by the
user, or secured by a securing device (rigid frame, arm, flexible
belt, strap, or other).
[0308] Certain embodiments of the entire Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 as described with
respect to FIG. 1 can therefore be configured as a single unitary
member utilizing similar technology as is known in graphical user
interface (GUI), display, and controller technology such as to
integrate all the portions of devices into combined units. By
comparison, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
as distinct units, only certain ones of which may include their
distinct framework 3010 if desired, or practicable. There are a
variety of potential advantages to frameworks which include, but
are not limited to, allowing a user to hold or providing a
securement point (certain ones of which can be adjusted and
controlled) to at least certain portions of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100.
[0309] Certain conventional transmissive X-rays can image
three-dimensional matter across the extent of the portion of the
person to a two-dimensional image. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100, by imaging a two-dimensional slice of the individual (e.g.,
imaging through the bone), might be particularly useful in
visualizing, imaging, or providing information pertaining to the
individual for orthopedics, knees, bones, joints, organs, and other
structural aspects of the individual.
[0310] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered x-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to operate based at least in part on tomography. Tomography can be
based, at least partially, on obtaining at least one material
characterizing distribution function. Within this disclosure, the
material characterizing distribution function can be considered as
a measurement of electron density, which more or less corresponds
to the density of the matter. As such, a variety of visualizations,
images, or provided information of at least some matter of at least
the portion of the individual based at least upon the material
characterizing distribution function. Conventional tomography, such
as CAT scan, PET scan, etc. may rely upon obtaining at least some
type of distribution function. Those electrons of the outer shells
of the matter, thereby are loosely held to the molecule, in such a
manner to quantifiably correspond largely to the material
characterizing distribution function. By comparison, those
electrons of the inner shell of the matter thereby are more
securely held to the molecule, and therefore correspond to a lesser
degree to the material characterizing distribution function.
[0311] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151 can receive a number of Compton scattered X-ray in
such a manner that there exists a number of uncertainties as to
certain characteristics (e.g., in density, mass, structure,
component, etc.) of the matter. For example, a particular Compton
scattered x-ray receiving assembly 151 that receives scattered
X-rays from a specific angle and/or position may receive a large
number of scattered x-rays that correspond to that angle and/or
position, corresponding to the material characterizing distribution
function. They may be, for example, no way to differentiate between
scattered X-rays from a number of different depths that correspond
to a given angle and/or position within the at least some matter of
the at least some portion of the individual, upon consideration of
the material characterizing distribution function. Conventional
tomography can similarly utilizes a material characterizing
distribution function.
[0312] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can capture a
visualization, image, or provided information based on a number of
material characterizing distribution function that are obtained
from a number of positions, angles, etc. For example, certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can utilize the material characterizing
distribution function obtained when applying an applied X-ray
substantially through a considerable portion of the individual that
are forward scattered, similar to as described relative to FIG. 5,
for example, and other locations through this disclosure. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can utilize the material characterizing
distribution function obtained when applying an applied X-ray
substantially through a considerable portion of the individual that
can thereupon be back scattered, forward scattered, or otherwise
Compton scattered similar to as described relative to FIG. 4, for
example, and other locations through this disclosure.
[0313] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can differentiate
between scattered X-rays from different scattering locations and/or
angles, based at least partially on tomographic/volumatric
considerations. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can differentiate
between scattered X-rays from different energy levels, based at
least partially on tomographic considerations.
[0314] The embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 that are secured to the at
least the portion of the individual, using a sleeve or other such
mechanism, will likely be preferred by individuals undergoing
imaging as compared with certain MRI images, CAT scans, tomography
imagers, and/or other conventional imagers in which the patient is
expected to remain substantially motionless. In addition, certain
conventional tomography imaging techniques require positioning of
the individual in a claustiphobic tube during the relatively
extended duration.
[0315] Certain types of tomography imagers (both conventional and
included as certain embodiments of Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100), may tend to be
quite computer-software and processor intensive. Much of the work
by the computer software, hardware, or firmware is associated with
repositioning, focusing, zooming, angling, refreshing, and other
controlling and adjusting aspects of the displayed visualization,
image, or provided information. Certain of the depth visualizing,
imaging, or information providing components of certain embodiments
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can be indexed relative to the portion of the
individual. Such indexing can be performed such that if a region of
interest (e.g., a cancer node) is located, the location can be
determined relative to the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100, such as by longitude or
latitude markings on the sleeve in certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100. Certain instances of such visualization, imaging, or
information providing can be provided on a real time (or near real
time) basis.
[0316] A considerable portion of this disclosure describes applying
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
providers to image to locate, analyze, and/or treat a variety of
aberrations such as cancers. It is also envisioned that a number of
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be applied to a variety of surgical,
medical examination, medical diagnosis, medical forensics,
autopsies and other such applications. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 may visualize, image, and/or provide information relating to
blood that can be configured to provide high contrast with this
technique since it has iron and backscatters considerably.
[0317] As such, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider may be particularly
appropriate for brain Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing and/or surgery, heart Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
and/or surgery, lung Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing and/or surgery, etc. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 may be configured to examine aberrations
of such dissimilar matter such as calcium concentration of portions
of matter for Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing or examination for breast tumors, iodine for
thyroid Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing or examination. Additionally, certain
contrast agents may be used to enhance the contrast for Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing,
for example iodine in blood vessels.
[0318] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can include a
relatively weak powered X-ray based emitter portion 150, such that
much of the X-rays generated therefrom may not be transmitted
through the at least the portion of the individual. Such relatively
weak powered X-ray emitter portions 150 may be desirable since they
limit the dosage being applied to the at least the portion of the
individual, as well as others near the individual such as the
user.
[0319] There are a number of Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing techniques that can be utilized
by certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100, each of which should consider
limiting the overall dosage of X-rays being applied to the at least
the portion of the individual and/or other persons. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be configured to operate on a
temporal/positional reflective basis. This may, depending on
context, be considered as Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing at a rate sufficient to indicate
accurately the current position of the portion of the individual 82
undergoing Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing (considering the intended purpose of the at
least one visualization, image, or provided information).
[0320] Real time depth imaging, visualizing, or information
providing, and near real time depth imaging, visualizing, or
information providing may be considered as one embodiment of
temporal/positional reflective depth visualizing, imaging, or
information providing. As such, temporal/positional visualization,
imaging, or information providing by certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can involve updating of Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing within such a duration as to
accurately reflect a state of the at least the portion of the
individual 82. By using certain types of temporal/positional
reflective visualization, imaging, or information providing using
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider, certain users may be able to
locate a region, organ, etc. within the at least the portion of the
individual either manually or using a tool. Examples of such tools
as described in this disclosure can include, but a re not limited
to, an endoscope attachment, a tactile feedback provider, an
attachment to a framework, etc.
[0321] As such, certain embodiments of the X-ray Compton scattered
X-ray information can be utilized or operated by the user and/or
the individual on a substantially temporal/positional reflective
basis. At the time of operation, Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing and/or visualize,
image, and/or provide information updating can be performed at a
substantially temporal/positional reflective basis. Alternatively,
certain Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing and/or visualize, image, and/or provide
information updating could be performed sequentially a number of
times, or only one or more times using certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100.
[0322] A number of illustrative but not limiting applications of
temporal depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing by
certain embodiments of the subcutaneous Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 are now described.
One application of temporal depth visualizing, imaging, or
information providing by certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100
could include functional brain depth visualizing, imaging, or
information providing or functional tomography, in which certain
regions of brain activation may be reflected with increases in
blood flow. This type of depth visualizing, imaging, or information
providing could be used during brain surgeries to detect an area
associated with a given cognitive action or sensory stimulation by
monitoring or detecting alterations in blood flow. Another
application of temporal depth visualizing, imaging, or information
providing by certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 would include
vascular surgery. Whether the vascular surgery be for clipping an
aneurysm or creating a vascular graft, one could use the
subcutaneous Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 to detect alterations in blood flow in the
brain, heart, liver, or other organ, tissue, or region of the
individual.
[0323] Yet another depth visualizing, imaging, or information
providing application of certain embodiments of the subcutaneous
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 could include implantation of orthopedic instrumentation. A
user such as a surgeon could image, examine, and/or utilized the
implant during installation to ensure that it is being installed
properly. As such, the user could insure the implant is not being
positioned are located in properly or in the wrong place during
attachment or securement. Dentists could similarly image, examine,
and/or utilize images relating to their dental work. An example of
such installation-based Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing might include installing a
pedicle screw to be used in a spinal construct and/or plate.
Certain embodiments of the subcutaneous Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may be used to
ensure the screw has not breached and gone into the spinal canal,
or alternately exited to hit a blood vessel, a nerve root, or
another sensitive region. Certain embodiments of the subcutaneous
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 could thereby help watch the implant placement progression.
[0324] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be applied to
different individuals such as a variety of humans of different
conditions, sexes, ages (e.g., a human adult, child, or embryo),
etc. Additionally, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be
applied to at least one other non-human individuals 82 including,
but not limited to: at least one animal (domestic, wildlife,
livestock as described with respect to FIGS. 32 and 33), at least
one organism (natural or synthetic, such as can be visualized,
imaged, or have information provided for medical, scientific,
clinical or other purposes), at least one plant, etc. By Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
animals such as pets, wild animals, or livestock, for example,
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can obtain useful information
thereabout, without the necessity of the user having to come into
close contact, or only limited contact, with the animal. Such users
who often have to come in contact with animals might include, but
are not limited to: veterinarian, wildlife managers, zookeepers,
other people associated with wild or domestic animals, etc. Such
close contact is also possible during use by certain Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
embodiments. In addition, such Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing can be done
relatively routinely, or in a non-evident manner, such as to make
scanning the animals, or a relatively large number of animals,
relatively easy without them necessarily being aware of the depth
visualizing, imaging, or information providing. Such depth
visualizing, imaging, or information providing of certain animals
may preferably be performed in a manner that reduces the animal's
awareness that anything unusual is occurring, such as may easily be
accomplished using certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100,
[0325] The above-mentioned components or embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as
described with respect to FIG. 1 as well as in other locations in
this disclosure, could be distributed or operated outside, in a
forest, etc. Such configurations could allow Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing of wild
animals (perhaps controlled and/or adjusted by remote control),
livestock, fish, etc. Such embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 could be
useful in detecting illnesses, injuries, etc. in wildlife, whales,
dolphins, etc.
[0326] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be applied to
animals such pets, livestock, wild animals, aquatic animals and
fish, etc. as described with respect to FIGS. 32 and 33, for
example. Since animals do not understand conventional imaging or
other medical processes, they may be difficult to handle or become
agitated or confused under certain conventional imaging
circumstances. As such, it may be very difficult to image portions
of animals to determine their condition using certain conventional
imagers. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 could be applied in
such manner such as the animal may not even be aware of the ongoing
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing. Veterinarians could utilize certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 to obtain considerable Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing information previously
unobtainable while keeping a safe distance from uncooperative,
uncertain, or dangerous animals.
[0327] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 could be applied to
livestock, such as may be situated in a corral or even a field as
described with respect to FIG. 33. Such livestock embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider may be able to scan them for certain illnesses,
conditions, sicknesses, etc. (e.g., mad cow disease). Certain users
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 could be characterized by relative speed, limited
expense, reliability, and effectiveness.
[0328] As such, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can visualize,
image, and/or provide information of a wide variety of individuals
from the surface 168 of the at least the portion of the individual
down to the within the at least one visualization, imaging, or
information providing depth range to the at least one prescribed
visualization, imaging, or information providing depth. As
described herein, the surface could be internal and/or external to
the individual. The particular Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing modality being
utilized should be configured based on the matter, region,
structure, and other characteristics, of the at least the portion
of the individual as well as the condition of the at least the
portion of the individual, etc.
[0329] Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing of distinct matter relatively can be based at
least partially on different X-ray based characteristics of the
distinct matter, the junction location of the different matters,
etc. One X-ray characteristic can be based, at least partially, on
X-ray absorbance differences between different types of matter.
Bones, bone fragments, etc. when being exposed to transmissive
X-rays are generally understood to absorb more X-ray based
electromagnetic radiation (e.g., X-ray photons) than softer human
matter (such as skin, tissue, muscle, blood, bodily fluid, etc.),
for example. Even with X-ray Compton scattered X-ray, such as
utilized by certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, the bone or bone
fragments would be expected to be more dense, and would be expected
to absorb more X-rays of certain frequencies/energy levels than
other matter such as tissue. As such, certain matter will scatter a
greater percentage of the applied or applied X-rays than bone or
bone fragments, which will absorb a greater percentage of
X-rays.
[0330] Similarly, each type of matter such as tissue, muscle,
bones, fat, etc. should have distinct X-ray characteristics that
can be imaged directly using Compton scattered X-ray techniques,
and/or by using certain particular contrast agents or fluoroscopy
using certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider. Another X-ray
characteristic can be based, at least partially, on Compton
scattered X-ray or reflectance differences between different types
of matter. Yet another X-ray characteristic can be based, at least
partially, on a ratio of photons transmission compared to photons
return between different types of matter.
[0331] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can utilize a
single applied X-ray beam 120 during Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing such as can be
provided by at least one emitter portion 150, as described in this
disclosure. By comparison, certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider can
utilize multiple applied X-ray beams 120 which may at least
partially intersect with each other during Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing such as can be
provided by the at least one emitter portion 150, as described in
this disclosure. With certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, the
intersection of the multiple applied X-rays 120 can be applied at a
location that may be desired to be visualized, imaged, or
information provided, such as at a particular depth, etc.
[0332] With certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, the intersection
location of the multiple applied X-rays can be controllably moved
to a desired location such as may be controlled by the user of
certain embodiments of the subsurface Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97 as
described in this disclosure with respect to FIG. 1. Alternately,
such movement of the intersection can effect a scan, similar to a
raster scan such as is generally known by those skilled with
displays. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can thereby be
configured to provide a variety of different depth visualizations,
images, and/or provided information depending on the Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
techniques. For instance, by Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing, certain individuals could be
visualized, imaged, or have information provided in a manner
appearing similar to (but perhaps having different resolution or
characteristics from) imaging by conventional X-ray, fluoroscopy,
MRI, CAT scans, or other Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing modalities.
[0333] One aspect of certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 is that
relatively small depth visualizations, images, and/or provided
information can be captured, displayed, analyzed, and if desired
recaptured without waiting for durations associated with
processing, or developing, the images are visualizations for a
larger region. In certain circumstances, the visualizing, imaging,
and/or providing information can be performed without having to
wait for processing or developing, and the necessity of having to
move or reposition the patient. During certain conventional imaging
techniques, the at least the portion of the individual must remain
virtually motionless during the conventional imaging process to
maintain the image quality. Additionally, certain conventional
image techniques take a considerable duration to capture, develop,
process, display, etc. By comparison, certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
can capture and/or display certain localized or shallow depth
visualizations, images, and/or provided information relatively
quickly. As such, the user such as the physician, veterinarian,
dentist, or other user can quickly examine the visualize, image,
and/or provide information and/or obtain additional subsequent
depth visualizations, images, and/or provided information that show
desired features, positions, etc.
[0334] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may not require
maintaining the at least the portion of the individual nearly
motionless in an encircling enclosure or tunnel, such as with CT
scans, PET scans, or MRI. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100
might involve a change in Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing techniques by the users,
surgeons, etc., but would likely not diminish Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing capabilities
or resolution as compared with other conventional imaging
techniques.
[0335] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
such that the at least one matter associated with the at least the
portion of the individual 82. For example, the matter of the
portion of the human can include at least some, or combination of:
flesh, muscle, fat, tissue, bone, teeth, blood, fluids, or other
such matter. As such, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
visualize, image, and/or provide information relating to not only
matter in general, but also different types of matter and junctions
between different types of matter. Such Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing matter can be
performed at the range of resolutions as described in this
disclosure, and may at least partially rely on additional agents,
components, etc. such as may enhance Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing.
[0336] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can allow
physicians a number of opportunities to detect certain types of
distinct matter, such as tumors or cancer that may be situated in a
region of generally normal matter. Certain Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing modalities may be
more successful to detect certain types of cancers as compared with
certain visualizers, imagers, or have information providers. It may
therefore be useful to provide a Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing modality that can
detect at least one or a considerable number and types of cancers,
tumors, and/or other matter aberrations as described in this
disclosure. For instance, certain Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing modalities may not
detect certain cancers or other matter aberrations, while other
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing modalities (perhaps including certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100) may detect the cancers or other matter aberrations.
[0337] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
or designed to detect at least one of a variety of cancers or
tumors such as, but not limited to: breast cancer, skin cancer,
colon cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, etc. Such cancer
cells or tumors may be situated in the matter at a location that
certain conventional imagers may not be able to image, or may be
expensive to image well. Certain cancers, such as certain breast
cancer and certain melanomas, may be characterized by calcium
nodules, which may be difficult be detect using a variety of
conventional imaging techniques and/or devices.
[0338] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be well suited
to visualize, image, and/or provide information relating to a
variety of cancer and/or tumors. Certain tumors or cancers may
exhibit angiogenesis that allow depth visualizing, imaging, or
information providing by certain Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information providers 100. The blood vessel
of the patient individual nearby the cancer or tumor may be grown
to allow for an increase in blood flow to the tumor or cancer as
the tumor or cancer tends to expand and grow outward. Cancer cells
or tumor cells may lose their ability to divide in a controlled
fashion that can result in the angiogenesis. Tumors can induce
blood vessel growth (angiogenesis) by secreting various growth
factors, e.g. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Such
growth factors can induce capillary growth into the tumor, which
some researchers suspect supply required nutrients, thereby
allowing for tumor expansion. Other clinicians believe that
angiogenesis really serves as a waste pathway, taking away the
biological end products put out by rapidly dividing cancer cells.
In either case, angiogenesis is a necessary and required step for
cancer cells to transition and grow from a small harmless cluster
of cells to the size of a large tumor. Angiogenesis is also
required for the spread of a tumor, or metastasis. The depth of the
visualization, imaging, or information providing can be controlled
or adjusted as to localize the area being examined.
[0339] Certain types of cancer can proliferate to different
regions, areas, organs, etc. based on metastasis. Metastasis can
occur, for example, when single cancer cells break away from an
established solid tumor, enter the blood vessel, and be carried to
a distant site, where they can implant and begin the growth of a
secondary tumor. Evidence now suggests that the blood vessel in a
given solid tumor may in fact be mosaic vessels, comprised of
endothelial cells and tumor cells. This mosaicity can allow for
substantial shedding of tumor cells into the vasculature. The
subsequent growth of such metastases will also require a supply of
nutrients and oxygen or a waste disposal pathway as provided by
subsequent angiogenesis. A tumor thereby typically consists of a
population of rapidly dividing and growing cancer cells. Mutations
may rapidly accrue within the population of many cancer cells.
These mutations of the cancer cells often allow at least some of
the cancer cells to develop drug resistance.
[0340] Tumors including certain cancer cells cannot grow beyond a
certain size, while permitting the internal cancer cells deep
within the tumor to survive (typically as a result of a lack of
oxygen and other essential nutrients that can be provided to the
interior cancer cells). Certain tumors or cancers may thereby
exhibit necrosis, in which, as the size of the tumor or cancer
increases, the original cancer cells that are situated deep within
the tumor, and thereby distant from the outer boundary of the tumor
or cancer may starve and die as a result of lack of nutrients such
as may be provided by the healthy cells. Such starvation or dying
may occur since the cell is no longer in contact with healthy cells
or supplies of nutrients or oxygen. As such, certain necrotic
cancer cells may tend to exhibit different photonic and X-ray
characteristics than the living cancer cells, as well as the
healthy cells. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can therefore be
utilized to detect such necrotic cancer cells. Such depth
visualizing, imaging, or information providing of tumors and/or
cancer provides only one illustrative embodiment of a use of
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100.
[0341] In addition, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
visualize, image, and/or provide information on a
temporal/positional reflective basis, and may be performed without
positioning the individual in the claustrophobic enclosures, or
applying the high-scale electromagnetic radiation associated with,
for example, conventional MRI, conventional PET scans, and certain
other conventional images.
[0342] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can provide
different depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing
modalities and/or techniques than that of conventional X-ray
imaging. For example, conventional X-ray imaging can visualize,
image, and/or provide information relating to differences based at
least in part on density or atomic number of the matter of the
portion of the visualized, imaged, or information provided object,
such as differences on density between bone and skin for a person.
By comparison, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can visualize,
image, and/or provide information based at least partially on
density of matter such as tissue, as well as providing an
additional Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing modality. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be expected to visualize, image, and/or provide information to a
resolution down to approximately 100 microns, or even less as
technology improves.
[0343] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to utilize contrast agents such as, for example, iodine. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be configured to apply a contrast
agent at least partially within the confined depth region. Also,
certain embodiments of fluorophores (that when accepted by matter
may allow the matter to fluoresce under the application of certain
X-rays), as well as other electromagnetic responsive material, can
be utilized in a similar manner as contrast agent to matter to
enhance the Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing.
[0344] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider can be configured to
visualize, image, and/or provide information relating to certain
fluids and/or fluid locations such as blood (e.g., an element of
hemoglobin). Certain blood locations, such as arteries, veins,
blood pooling regions, body parts, organs, capillaries, regions,
etc., can provide good X-ray contrast based at least partially on
iron or other materials in the blood. Therefore, the iron in the
blood can cause deflection, absorption, reflection, or Compton
scattered X-ray of the X-rays passing there through by some
detectable amount. Using conventional techniques, many surgeons,
etc. have considerable uncertainty as to the precise location of
many blood vessels that they must operate around without contacting
or damaging. Such effort by the surgeons, etc. in avoiding the
blood vessels is not only dangerous, but also expensive, laborious,
and tedious. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can detect blood
vessels, as well as other bodily fluid conduits, etc. such as to in
many instances allow the surgeons, etc. to operate more safely,
quickly, effectively, and efficiently.
[0345] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can thereby be
configured to observe calcium concentration, such as may exist in
certain cancers or tumors. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be configured to visualize, image, and/or provide information
relating to iodine such as may be present and varying
concentrations in portions of the brain, such as may be provided by
the thyroid. Certain embodiments may be used in combination with a
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing agent that can be added to the at least the portion of
the individual, either intravascular or otherwise.
[0346] Certain organs and matter such as tissue that have
considerable blood flow either flowing through or contained therein
can be visualized, imaged, or have information provided based, at
least in part, on the blood situated within the organ or matter.
Examples of such organs or matter that can be visualized, imaged,
or have information provided as a result of blood can include, but
are not limited to: the brain (accounting for approximately 20
percent of the blood flow in the human body at any given time), the
heart, the liver, the lung, the appendix, the intestine, as well as
certain muscles. The heart therefore is an example of an organ that
can be visualized, imaged, or have information provided
particularly well based on blood situated relative to the heart.
The heart acts to circulate blood throughout the body, and such
blood flow through the aorta, the ventricles, and other chambers
and regions of the heart can be visualized, imaged, or have
information provided (in certain instances in a substantially
real-time basis). In addition, the heart additionally includes
arteries, veins, and capillaries which can be distinctly
visualized, imaged, or have information provided.
[0347] There are variety of heart aspects and/or conditions that
can be image using certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100. For example,
the myocardium could be imaged, as can the heart valves, the
coronary arteries, the blood vessels, as well as other matter
and/or fluid of or within the heart. Certain blood flows through
the valves, the aorta, etc. can be imaged, such as to indicate
regurgitation and (that workflow) of blood through a valve; as well
as valve stenosis (when blood flows through leaky valves). Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can visualize, image, and/or provide
information relating to portions of the myocardium, such as to
screen persons for increased risk of myocardial infractions (heart
attacks). Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can utilize
external and/or Bluetooth image and, such as by utilizing scopes,
etc. They can be positioned as desired relative to the heart.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider can thereby be extended via scopes
or other techniques following blood vessels, lumens, etc. to
desired location within the heart. Certain embodiments of the
subsurface Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be utilize string open-heart or closed
surgery or procedures.
[0348] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can image at least
portions of other organs, such as long as, liver, brain, etc. The
lung and liver include internal nodules whose condition can be
detected using certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider. As such, certain
organs and matter can be visualized, imaged, or have image provided
by certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 based, at least in part, on
density or atomic number of the matter. For example, bones, spine
portions, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, etc. can be visualized,
imaged, or have information provided based on the varying density
of the particular organ or matter. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can be utilized by orthopedic surgeons, for example, to
determine how bones, bone fragments, boney portions, etc. are
situated relative to each other. For example, during a spinal
construct or bone fracture surgery, the surgeon could determine
whether the bone portions are properly aligned or situated as
desired; such as to be able to apply a construct, apply a pin, set,
etc. Following surgery, the individual (e.g., patient) could be
examined using certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 to determine a
variety of orthopedic considerations. For example, are the bones
are in the desired location such as aligned, are any pins,
fasteners, etc. that have been applied within the individual
properly situated or affixed relative to the portions of the
individual, etc. Such post-operative examination can be performed
with the bone portion(s) exposed, closed up and within the at least
the portion of the individual, as well as also contained within a
cast or other body part stabilizer. After surgery, certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 could be used to ensure that there has
been no retained surgical instruments, sponges, tools, needles,
tactile feedback providers, etc. within the at least the portion of
the individual.
[0349] A variety of organs and/or matter can be visualized, imaged,
or have information provided based at least partially on density
image combination (e.g., image subtraction, time of flight, image
transformation, deconvolution, image subtraction, weighted
subtraction, functional subtraction, and group including inverse
integral transform, subtractive inverse integral transform, inverse
functional transform, and subtractive inverse functional transform,
or other such image processing techniques) across the organ.
Certain organs can be formed non-uniformly, such as alveoli being
formed within lungs, blood vessels, non-uniform heart matter or
tissue, etc. Certain organs and matter can include gases, liquids,
and/or solids in portions of the organ or matter, such as to make
the matter of the organ or tissue non-uniform.
[0350] As such, whether the Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing of the organ or matter is based
at least partially on the blood or blood component situated
therein, the density image combination (e.g., image subtraction,
time of flight, image transformation, deconvolution, image
subtraction, weighted subtraction, functional subtraction, and
group including inverse integral transform, subtractive inverse
integral transform, inverse functional transform, and subtractive
inverse functional transform, or other such image processing
techniques) across the organ or matter, or the liquid, solid, or
gasses contained in at least portions of the organ or matter. It
should be understood that certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be configured to visualize, image, and/or provide information with
considerable definition and at relatively low resolution, while
others can be configured with relatively low definition at
relatively high resolution. Such definitions, resolutions, and/or
other depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing
characteristic can be controlled and/or adjusted with certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100.
[0351] The operation and structure of the certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can, depending on context, have a considerable number
of similarities independent of the type of individual 82. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be operated and/or scaled differently,
however, depending upon the condition and/or portion of the
individual being visualized, imaged, or having information
provided, desired resolution of Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing, rate of
successive Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing, temporal duration of Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing, cooperation or
consciousness of the individual, and other such factors.
[0352] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can thereby utilize
a variety of X-ray Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging,
or information providing techniques similar to those that can at
least partially include, but are not limited to: conventional X-ray
imaging (e.g., transmission and/or fluoroscopy), X-ray Computed
Tomography (CT or CAT) scans, Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
scans, X-ray imaging at least partially using Compton scattered
X-ray, X-ray backscattering imaging, X-ray forward-scattering
imaging, and/or other combinations, modifications, and/or
developments of X-ray imaging, and/or X-ray based imaging
modalities. Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing technologies could be configured to represent
among the more affordable and technically accepted visualization,
imaging, or information providing technologies available in
medicine. The more affordable a particular visualizing, imaging, or
information providing modality is, the more likely it is to be
routinely used, and thereupon ultimately developed and
accepted.
[0353] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 therefore can rely
on a variety of X-ray technologies. X-ray technologies, in general,
can be characterized as particle bombardment, in which the particle
includes emitted photons following interaction of the target atom
situated at the anode with electrons directed at (or near) the
target atom. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 therefore can rely
on emission and detection of X-rays, which can take the form of
directed or bombarded particles such as photons (and/or Compton
scattered photons there from).
[0354] As such, X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing technology can be associated and/or operatively combined
with certain other imaging modalities such as particle bombardment
imaging mechanisms (i.e., the particles including photons), as well
as other conventional imaging methodologies as described in this
disclosure. Such combination of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 with other imaging
modalities are intended to be considered as another embodiment of
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider, for the purpose of this disclosure, depending on context.
As such, the X-rays can be characterized as including photons,
which represent a form of electromagnetic radiation, which may be
characterized by Maxwell's Equations.
[0355] There can be a variety of X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing modalities can be utilized to provide some
level of X-ray Compton backscattered X-ray or forward scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing (which
together can be considered for purpose of this disclosure,
depending on context, to be referred to as X-ray Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing). Certain
conventional transmission X-ray imaging modality can rely largely
on those X-rays that can be applied to the soft matter or tissue of
the at least the portion of the individual 82, to be transmitted
there through (while being absorbed, diffracted, reflected, etc.
off bones or other matter). The electromagnetic radiation of the
transmitted X-rays can thereupon be received at a distant location
of the at least the portion of the individual 82, after it has
passed through the at least the portion of the individual 82. Such
techniques can be used to form the X-ray on the opposite side of
the at least the portion of the individual 82. Visualization,
imaging, or information providing, as performed by certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100, can refer to those modalities that relies
primarily on the X-ray based electromagnetic radiation that is at
least partially reflected, or redirected, as it passes through the
soft matter or tissue (or other opaque matter) of the at least the
portion of the individual 82.
[0356] The term "Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing", as described in this disclosure, can be
performed by one or more of certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100.
Depending on context, certain type of Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing can include, but
is not limited to, visualization, imaging, or information
providing, photography, displaying, visualization, imaging, or
information generation, computer generation, partial visualization,
imaging, or information integration, visualization, imaging, or
information capturing, visualization, imaging, or information
synthesizing, and other techniques that can at least partially
capture depth visualizations, images, and/or provided information
which rely, at least in part, on depth visualizations, images,
and/or provided information or information obtained from the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100.
[0357] A sufficient amount of the applied X-ray 120 can penetrate
into the at least portion of the individual 82 for a penetration
depth 170 to accomplish the desired Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing. By limiting the
amount of X-rays, the dosage can be limited as well. A certain
amount of the applied X-ray beams 120 will likely be Compton
scattered or otherwise deflected throughout the penetration region
from the surface 168 (e.g., skin) subsurface down to, and
including, the penetration depth 170.
[0358] Certain embodiments of the emitter portion 150 can be
associated with a variety of embodiments of X-ray based
electromagnetic radiation that can operate at a variety of
frequencies and/or energy levels, which may therefore visualize,
image, and/or provide information down to or at a variety of depths
into the at least the portion of the individual 82 within a first
of view of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100. Certain embodiments of the emitter
portion 150 may be situated within the at least the portion of the
individual 82, adjacent to the at least the portion of the
individual 82, or external to the at least the portion of the
individual 82. Either one, or a plurality of, emitter portion(s)
150 may be provided either within the at least the portion of the
individual 82, adjacent to the at least the portion of the
individual 82, and/or external to the at least the portion of the
individual 82.
[0359] Certain embodiments of the detector portion 152 can be
configured, by comparison, to receive X-ray electromagnetic
radiation in the form of scattered X-rays that can be scattered
from the applied X-rays provided by the emitter portion of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100, or another device configured to emit applied X-ray. Within
this disclosure, certain embodiments of the at least one detector
portion 152 can be adjustable such as to receive certain
embodiments of the X-ray based electromagnetic radiation such as
can be applied to the at least the portion of the individual from
the at least one emitter portion 150 (and Compton scattered at
least partially within the at least the portion of the individual).
Such adjustment of the at least one detector portion 152 can be
based on such parameters as direction, signal strength, frequency,
energy level, or other such characteristics of the X-ray
photons.
[0360] Certain embodiments of the at least one emitter portion 150,
that is not associated with any particular Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, may be utilized
that can be detected by one or more distinct detector portions 152
and/or one or more distinct Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151. For example, certain embodiments of the at least one
emitter portion 150 may be configured as a "flooding" embodiment
that can provide X-rays within a relatively larger area of the
individual, and perhaps a surrounding area. For instance, a remote
or local source of the applied X-ray beams 120 can include the
emitter portion 150, and the applied X-ray beams 120 can be at
least partially directed at the at least the portion of the
individual 82 from a distant emitter portion, or other device, such
as could be detected by the detector portion 152. Certain
embodiments of operating rooms, examination rooms, medical offices,
research facilities, etc. may be provided with a dispersive
embodiment of the at least one emitter portion 150, such that each
user (doctor, medical assistant, technician, dentist, etc.)
operationally nearby may utilize their distinct or combined
personal or group detector portion 152, and/or personal or group
display or information provider portion 154.
[0361] Certain embodiments of the at least one detector portion 152
can be hand-held, and may thereupon be positioned by the user of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100. For instance, if a doctor or dentist would like to
examine the subsurface of certain at least the portion of the
individual, then certain embodiments of the embodiments of the at
least one detector portion 152 could be positioned as proximate the
at least the portion of the individual as desired to provide the
desired depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing
quality and images. Such positionable embodiments of the emitter
portion 150, the detector portion 152, the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151, or other components of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be useful to image relatively small portions of the individual in a
manner to substantially limit application of X-rays to those
regions. For example, in a surgical operating room, medical
examination room, veterinarian, etc., certain positionable
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be situated closely adjacent the at
least the portion of the individual.
[0362] The level of applied X-rays can be thereupon be relatively
small as compared with flooding-type emitter portions. The user
(and/or the visualization, imaging, or information providing
controller 97) can thereupon control or adjust the depth
visualizing, imaging, or information providing. By allowing precise
control of the limited at least some matter in the at least a
portion of the individual that is being imaged by capturing one or
more sequential, adjustable, controllable, or continuous
visualizations, images, or provided information, less X-ray
electromagnetic radiation may be applied to the individual, the
user, and/or others in the vicinity. Certain embodiments of the
detector portion could be mechanically mounted, or
motion-stabilized (such as is understood in computer graphic
systems), such as to limit relative motion of the visualize, image,
and/or provide information on the display portion.
[0363] Certain embodiments of the at least one display portion 154,
as described in this disclosure, can display at least one
visualize, image, and/or provide information based at least
partially on the Compton scattered X-ray based electromagnetic
radiation that has been received by the at least one detector
portion 152. Certain embodiments of the at least one display
portion 154 can be adjusted such that the user can observe what
they desire, adjust the visualization, image, or provided
information, and/or otherwise control a variety of operations of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
providers 100.
[0364] Certain embodiments of the at least one display portion 154
can display at least portion of the visualize, image, and/or
provide information relating to the portion of the individual 82 to
the individual, such as a patient either alone or in combination
with a physician, etc. The fact that certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
providers 100 can operate on a substantially real-time basis can
make the individual more aware of their condition based on an
accurate Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing of at least a portion of their body. Consider
certain individuals who may have an injury, illness, sickness,
medical condition, etc. who can have an visualize, image, and/or
provide information relating to an appropriate location likely be
provided with a near-temporal/positional reflective visualize,
image, and/or provide information relating to an appropriate
location. As such, they can have more knowledge of their treatment
or condition, understand their treatment, and/or perhaps even
participate in their treatment. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be configured to control a treating mechanism that can be used to
treat the at least the portion of the individual 82 at least
partially in response to the X-ray Compton scattered X-ray
information.
[0365] In certain injuries or conditions such as ligament tears,
joint or bone injuries/fractures, organ conditions, etc., certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information providers 100 could visualize, image, and/or provide
information in a substantially continuous manner as the at least
the portion of the individual undergoes motion of an affected joint
or location. For example, an orthopedic surgeon could consider or
examine a knee joint or bone of a patient during flexure,
relaxation, or other motion of that body part. In certain
instances, dye, contrast agents, or other Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing-enhancing
materials could be applied to at least the portion of the
individual such as to improve the Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing of certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100.
[0366] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information providers 100 can interface
and/or interact with each other to provide Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing operation(s)
between a number of the at least portions of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information providers. For example,
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 (or portions thereof) can
include the one or more emitter portion 150. Certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can include the one or more detector portion 152, or
alternately one or more Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly
151. Still yet other embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can include one or
more display portions 154. Various of the emitter portions 150,
detector portions 152, and/or display portions 154 can be combined
as desired, and utilized in an appropriate configuration for the
desired Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing application, only certain illustrative
embodiments of which are described in this disclosure.
[0367] Within this disclosure, certain embodiments of the at least
one emitter portion 150 can be configured to apply X-ray based
electromagnetic radiation at least partially toward the at least
the portion of the individual 82. The frequency, energy level, or
other operational characteristics and/or structural characteristics
of the X-ray based electromagnetic radiation may differ
considerably (and be less objectionable or dangerous) than as
applied to patients by conventional X-ray (fluoroscopy) techniques.
This is largely a result of lower X-ray dosages being applied to
the individual since the X-rays can rebound or scatter from the at
least the portion of the individual 82 after it has passed through
only a relatively short distance within the at least the portion of
the individual. As such, electromagnetic shielding that is applied
to patients undergoing fluoroscopy can be limited, or at least
considerably reduced, by using certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100.
Certain airport screening systems, for example, use X-ray scatter
visualization, imaging, or information providing from security
screening without undue concern of excessive radiation being
applied to the travelers of users of the X-ray scanning
systems.
[0368] Applied X-rays of limited strength could be useful in depth
visualizing, imaging, or information providing sensitive at least
portions of individuals such as embryos, fetuses, etc. within
pregnant women. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 could image in a
manner such that the X-rays stop just short of sensitive matter or
tissue, organ, or other matter (e.g., the uterus, heart, brain,
etc.) and thereby limit exposure of ionizing radiation to the
embryos, fetuses, etc. for example. In actuality, almost any matter
within the individual can be considered as sensitive to some
degree, particularly relative to desirability of limiting exposure
of X-rays there to. As such, certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 are
particularly suited to correcting or applying applied X-rays and/or
scattered X-ray to controllably limited regions within the
individual. Additionally, there may be a considerable number and
variety of organs, portions, or segments of the body that would do
better with limited applied X-rays. As such, certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can limit transmission of X-rays during depth imaging
to certain of such matter, organs, portions, or segments of the
body. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can thereby be
configured to visualize, image, and/or provide information relating
to areas as desired within the particular individual, and limit
exposure of X-ray radiation to other (perhaps sensitive)
regions.
[0369] Within this disclosure, the Compton scattered X-ray detected
by certain embodiments of the detector portion 152 can be back
Compton scattered, forward Compton scattered, deflected, or other
distortions of the path of the X-ray based electromagnetic
radiation that fall within the scope of the present disclosure,
while remaining within the intended scope of Compton scattered
X-ray. Certain embodiments of the detector portion 152 can be
associated with a variety of embodiments of X-ray based
electromagnetic radiation, which can operate at a variety of
frequencies and/or energy levels, and may therefore visualize,
image, and/or provide information down to or at a variety of depths
into the at least the portion of the individual 82.
[0370] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as described in
this disclosure, can be configured with one or more of the emitter
portion 150, the at least one Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151, the detector portion 152, and/or the display portion
154, or any combination thereof. With those embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 having no emitter portion 150, the X-ray based electromagnetic
radiation can be at least partially provided by another device. For
instance, a number of the display portion(s) 154 (or alternately at
least one display portion that can be viewed by numerous persons),
can be utilized by or controlled by a number of persons such as
surgeons, technicians, assistants, etc. that can be applied by a
single strategically located emitter portion 150. The emitter
portion 150 may, or may not, be included as a portion of at least
one of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider(s) 100.
[0371] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be controlled,
such as to allow its operator to select different penetration
depths 170 (or range of penetration depths) to which the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider can
visualize, image, or provide information. Within certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100, the penetration depth 170 for
visualizing, imaging, and/or information providing may vary as a
function of the energy applied to or contained within the applied
X-ray, and/or the frequency, energy level, or other characteristics
of the X-ray photons of the applied X-ray 120. The matter (e.g.,
skin, tissue, bone, etc) to which the applied X-ray 120 is being
applied will also affect the visualizing, imaging, or information
providing characteristics. As certain characteristics of the
applied X-ray are increased, it may likely effect the maximum
penetration depth 170 (see FIGS. 18 and/or 20) to which the applied
X-ray Compton scattered X-ray radiation will likely travel to prior
to Compton scattered X-ray, or thereby visualize, image, and/or
provide information down to. While a limited number of X-rays might
travel within the at least the portion of the individual to a depth
greater than the penetration depth 170, certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can be configured to limit the effects of those few X-rays
relative to the visualization, imaging, or information
providing.
[0372] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can provide for
image combination (e.g., image subtraction, time of flight, image
transformation, deconvolution, weighted subtraction, functional
subtraction, and group including inverse integral transform,
subtractive inverse integral transform, inverse functional
transform, and subtractive inverse functional transform, or other
such image processing techniques) as described with respect to FIG.
16. Within this disclosure, such image combining techniques as
relating to Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing techniques can, depending on context, refer
to Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing between two of the at least one prescribed visualization,
imaging, or information providing depths 170a and 170b. Each
prescribed visualization, imaging, or information providing depth
170a and 170b can be situated at least some distance from the skin
or surface 168 of the individual (such as illustrated in FIGS. 16
and/or 17). Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can obtain multiple
sampled visualize, image, and/or provide information relating to
data pertaining to X-ray Compton scattered X-ray Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing at different
depths either sequentially or in parallel. As such, the multiple
sampled visualize, image, and/or provide information relating to
data can be considered as Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing a similar sample space down to
different penetration depths 170a and 170b.
[0373] Certain ones of the multiple sampled visualize, image,
and/or provide information relating to data can thereupon be
compared at least partially by image combination (e.g., image
subtraction, time of flight, image transformation, deconvolution,
weighted subtraction, functional subtraction, and group including
inverse integral transform, subtractive inverse integral transform,
inverse functional transform, and subtractive inverse functional
transform, or other such image processing techniques). As such,
those details, images, information, visualizations, etc. that are
situated in the shallower penetration depth 170a, and not in the
deeper penetration depth 170b, as described with respect to FIG.
16, can be digitally subtracted out, transformed out, or otherwise
computed out. By digitally differentiating the matter, tissue,
objects, etc. being visualized, imaged, or have information
provided at the shallower penetration depth 170a from the deeper
penetration depth 170b, the depth visualizations, images, and/or
provided information or other information relating to matter
between the shallower and deeper penetration depths can be
obtained.
[0374] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to obtain a X-ray Compton scattered X-ray information at least
partially using X-ray Compton scattered X-ray to derive visualize,
image, and/or provide information through at least one matter
(e.g., tissue or other matter) of the at least the portion of the
individual 82. Such visualizing, imaging, or providing information
can be provided at least at both a first depth region and at a
second depth region, both associated with the at least a common
portion of the individual 82. The depth difference between the
first depth regions that extends to a first penetration depth 170a
and the second depth region that extends to a second penetration
depth 170b can be used for subtraction or combination Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
techniques, as described in this disclosure.
[0375] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 that utilize
subtraction or combination Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing techniques can therefore act to
visualize, image, and/or provide information at different
penetration depths 170a and 170b. As such, adjustment of the
subtraction or combination Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing technique can be performed at
least partially by, for example, controlling and/or adjusting the
frequency of energy level of the X-ray photons at two levels to
provide two X-rays. Each of the controlling and/or adjusting the
frequency of energy level of the X-ray photons can be detected
distinctly to the at least one prescribed visualization, imaging,
or information providing depths 170a and 170b. Thereupon, the
difference of the shallower level image undergoes image combination
(e.g., image subtraction, time of flight, image transformation,
deconvolution, image subtraction, weighted subtraction, functional
subtraction, and group including inverse integral transform,
subtractive inverse integral transform, inverse functional
transform, and subtractive inverse functional transform, or other
such image processing techniques) from that of the deeper image.
The image subtraction or combination depth visualizing, imaging, or
information providing techniques can thereby be used to provide
information about matter within range of volumes between two
penetration depths 170a and 170b in FIGS. 16 and 17 from the
surface 168, etc.
[0376] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to visualize, image, and/or provide information at a first
controllable one of the at least one visualization, imaging, or
information providing depth range to the at least one first
prescribed visualization, imaging, or information providing depth
to obtain the first Compton scattered X-ray image information.
Certain of these embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can visualize,
image, and/or provide information at a second controllable one of
the at least one visualization, imaging, or information providing
depth range to the at least one second prescribed visualization,
imaging, or information providing depth to obtain the second
Compton scattered X-ray information. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can be configured to computationally differentiating the data
associated with the first X-ray Compton scattered X-ray information
and the second X-ray Compton scattered X-ray information.
[0377] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can also utilize a
time of flight measurement to visualize, image, and/or provide
information at the at least one visualization, imaging, or
information providing depth range to the at least one prescribed
visualization, imaging, or information providing depth, as
described with respect to FIG. 17. Such time of flight measurement
can utilize precise pulse signals which can be characterized as at
least one input pulse signal and at least one return pulse signal
(allowing fractional-second temporal Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing resolution so as
to achieve suitable Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging,
or information providing resolution). The briefer the duration of
the emitted pulse signal and the detected pulse signal, the lesser
the achievable resolution (lesser resolution leading to improved
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing characteristics). Using time of flight techniques, the
emitted pulse signals can be applied by certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 to the surface 168 of the at least the portion of the
individual 82. Providing the time of flight of the return signal
can be measured with sufficient accurately (e.g., resolution in
picoseconds for certain embodiments, such as those that utilize
streak cameras, pixellated streak cameras, avalanche detectors,
CCDs, etc.) then the time of the detected pulse signal can be gated
to provide sufficient accuracy, and the time of flight can be
determined, from which the distance or depth can be determined.
[0378] By using the time of flight embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100,
the emitter portion 150 can transmit the at least one input pulse
and the detector portion 152 can detect the return time of the at
least one return pulse signal. As described with respect to FIG.
17, a time of flight calculation 160 can be determined based on the
amount of time required for the at least one input pulse signal to
be applied to the at least the portion of the individual; which can
thereupon each be Compton scattered into one or more return pulse
signal. The Compton scattered return pulse signal(s) will be
modified based at least in part on the characteristics of the
matter of the individual through which the pulse signals pass
(e.g., pulse applied X-ray and/or pulse scattered X-ray).
[0379] One use of combination of Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing (including
subtracting, and other such processes) may involve Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
matter, an organ, etc. that is located within a region that is
situated a considerable depth from the surface 168. During depth
visualizing, imaging, or information providing of such a deep
organ, matter, etc., additional matter, organs, etc. that are
positioned between the depth visualizing, imaging, or information
providing component(s) of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 and the imaged region may not
be necessarily be displayed. Therefore, additional matter, organs,
tissue, etc. may not be visualized, imaged, or have information
provided using image combination (e.g., image subtraction, time of
flight, image transformation, deconvolution, weighted subtraction,
functional subtraction, and group including inverse integral
transform, subtractive inverse integral transform, inverse
functional transform, and subtractive inverse functional transform,
or other such image processing techniques).
[0380] As such, certain organs, matter, etc. that are situated deep
within the at least the portion of the individual may be imaged
without depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing
interference from shallower matter using subtraction or combination
of Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing techniques, such as with image combination (e.g., image
subtraction, time of flight, image transformation, deconvolution,
weighted subtraction, functional subtraction, and group including
inverse integral transform, subtractive inverse integral transform,
inverse functional transform, and subtractive inverse functional
transform, or other such image processing techniques). Alternately,
certain matter, tissue, organs, etc. can be imaged by positioning
the at least one emitter portion 150, the at least one detector
portion 152, and/or the at least one Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly internally at a suitable position relative to
the imaged organs, matter, etc. One skilled with the various
embodiments, configurations, and uses of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 could
determine which depth visualizing, imaging, or information
providing technique would provide the better quality depth
visualizations, images, and/or provided information or images, less
invasively, thereby lowering the X-ray dosages to the user and/or
individual.
[0381] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can at least
partially rely on Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging,
or information providing matter within the at least the portion of
the individual 82, such as muscle, skin, blood vessels, fluids
(e.g., blood, lymph), etc. Within this disclosure, the soft Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
may be compared to hard imaging such as occurs in conventional
backscatter imaging that may occur when the imaging modality
encounters a hard or reflective surface such as bones, metals, etc.
By providing Compton scattered X-ray-based Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing of soft matter,
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can allow detection of
variations of certain characteristics of the soft matter, such as
may be the case of calcification of the skin such as occurs
relative to a matter aberration. Such matter aberrations as certain
breast cancers can be identified due to the calcification of the
tumor or cancer. By allowing Compton scattered X-ray-based Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing of
at least some soft matter, certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
provide for locating. Such locating or positioning based at least
partially on matter aberration can be applied to such varied
applications as positioning organs, circulatory portions (e.g.,
veins, arteries, etc), blood flows, nerves, bones, etc. relative to
the at least some matter of the at least the portion of the
individual 82.
[0382] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to limit certain contact or damage of arteries, veins, capillaries,
or other blood (or other fluid) vessels, etc. Consider the
difficulty during surgery, etc., of avoiding such contact that may
be at some uncertain location within the individual. Considering
the number of blood or other fluid vessels within the body, as well
as the likelihood of damage using scopes, tools within incisions,
cutting tools, tactile feedback providers, other tools, etc., the
scope of the difficulty during surgery, etc. becomes evident. In
certain instances, a surgeon may even be unaware if they have
damaged a hidden blood vessel or other fluid capillary. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be positioned to visualize, image,
and/or provide information the region in which the physician or
veterinarian is working. Alternately, certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can be connected to, or otherwise associated with, tools being
applied to the at least the portion of the individual. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can also allow surgeons, and/or their
tools, to avoid or limit contact with particular nerves, organs,
matter, etc. Such depth visualizing, imaging, or information
providing which allows users such as surgeons, dentists,
veterinarians are likely to come in proximity with blood vessels,
fluid vessels, nerves, organs, matter, etc. to limit contact their
with. Such imaging or visualization to limit contact with certain
portions of the body can be performed on a substantially real-time
basis, or another basis as desired, and would be expected to
considerably reduce the duration of operations, procedures, etc, by
such users as doctors, dentists, veterinarians, etc.
[0383] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can also be
configured to locate, analyze, and/or treat blood pooling or other
fluid pooling. With certain injuries from bombs, explosives,
injuries, vehicular and other crashes, certain illnesses, etc., it
can be difficult with conventional imagers to locate blood pooling
within portions of humans, animals, etc. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 could determine, for example, a trajectory of a bullet,
explosive, bomb, etc. such as could be located by determining the
location (such as in a trail or pool) of blood through organs,
matter, etc. Other naturally occurring blood or fluid pools could
be located, examined, and/or treated.
[0384] Another example of a bodily fluid which might be located
using certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 is lymph fluid.
Following certain cancers, for example, certain lymph nodes may
have to be removed. Lymph nodes function to largely remove lymph
fluid from the body. With lymph nodes removed, there can be a
considerable collection of the lymph fluid in the body, which can
add to weight gain to the individual and/or eventually become
infected. Other types of bodily fluids may be visualized, imaged,
or have information provided.
[0385] Certain embodiments of the at least one detector portion
152, as described at various locations through this disclosure, can
be controlled and/or adjusted to receive photons at least partially
emitted from the at least one emitter portion 150. Such control
and/or adjustment can be performed in a manner that can be used to
provide Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing using certain embodiments of the at least one
display portion 154.
[0386] Certain embodiments of the depth visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97 can thereby include, but is not
limited to, at least one control and/or adjustment portion 934.
Certain embodiments of the detector portion 152 of the Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 can be configured to measure
the amount of X-ray based electromagnetic radiation (e.g.,
scattered X-rays in the form of photons) that is received by the at
least one detector portion 152. Certain embodiments of the control
and/or adjustment portion 934 can be configured to control and/or
adjust the position, angle, or other operating parameter of at
least a portion of the at least one Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151. Certain embodiments of the control and/or
adjustment portion 934 can be used to enhance, modify, filter, or
otherwise effect reception of the X-ray based electromagnetic
radiation (e.g., in the form of photons), such as may be emitted
from the at least one emitter portion 150. Certain detector
portions 152 of certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151 can be omni-directional, multi-directional,
or at least have a suitable directional range as to suitable detect
the X-ray based electromagnetic radiation being emitted towards the
at least the portion of the individual. Certain embodiments of the
control and/or adjustment portion 934 can be configured to the
relative angle(s), frequencies, and/or positions of the at least
one emitter portion 150, and/or the at least the portion of the
individual 82. Certain embodiments of the control and/or adjustment
portion 934 can be configured to ensure suitable transmission or
reception of X-ray based electromagnetic radiation to allow proper
depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing.
[0387] Certain embodiments of the at least one Compton scattered
X-ray receiving assembly 151 can also include a detector portion
transfer portion, not shown, in which the detected photons, Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
information, data, etc. relating to the X-rays that can be at least
partially Compton scattered at/within the at least the portion of
the individual. Certain data, information, images, visualizations,
etc. as obtained at least partially be the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151 can be displayed by the at least one display
portion 154, perhaps in a form of the at least one visualization,
image, or provided information.
[0388] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to visualize, image, and/or provide information at a substantially
real-time basis, while other embodiments can be configured to
visualize, image, and/or provide information at a slower repetitive
rate. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can even be
configured to visualize, image, and/or provide information relating
to one or more non-repetitive depth visualizations, images, and/or
provided information. Such selection of Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing on substantially
temporal/positional reflective can allow such users as a surgeon,
doctor, veterinarian, dentist, etc. to obtain conditional
information, location information, etc. at desired subsurface
locations of the at least the portion of the individual 82 as
quickly as desired. Within this disclosure, the term "subsurface",
can, depending on context, refer to depth visualizing, imaging, or
information providing matter underneath, or across, the surface 168
of the at least the portion of the individual 82 (possibly depth
visualizing, imaging, or information providing the surface of the
individual). Certain of the surfaces 168 can include skin, internal
surfaces, etc. that can be in communication with outside via an
opening such as one which a scope that could be applied, such as
mucous membranes, at least partially endothelium, internal
membranes or skin(s) at least partially defining or surrounding a
lumen, via blood vessels, etc. Certain embodiments of at least
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 (such as the emitter portion 150 or the
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151) could be applied to
within the at least the portion of the individual 82 using such
technologies as a scope, a needle, an injected or implanted
device.
[0389] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 could be configured
to, for example, image a moving organ as described with respect to
FIG. 31. Such visualization, imaging, or providing information
relative to moving organs can be applied to, for example, at least
a portion of the heart, kidney, brain, stomach, intestine, or other
organ that can be defined based on visualization, imaging, or
information providing, or variations such as by edges of the
particular organs being visualized, imaged, or information
provided.
[0390] Consider that a moving two dimensional or three dimensional
image of a portion of the heart could be provided using certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100. Such depth visualizing, imaging, or
information providing could be useful for diagnosis purposes,
during surgery, during screening of susceptible individuals, etc.
Depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing could be
performed on a heart valve, as well as the associated depth
visualizing, imaging, or information providing through that heart
valve. Heart-based depth visualizing, imaging, or information
providing could be provided by positioning the at least one emitter
portion 150 and the at least one detector portion 152 in suitable
proximity to (or within) the heart utilizing suitable scopes,
implants, etc. along with wireless and/or wired-based technology.
The configuration, position, motion, reflex of the heart, aorta,
arteries, valves, etc. can be used with suitable resolution and
refresh rates using certain Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 configurations.
[0391] Certain embodiment the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 could be applied to image
matter or tissue contained within such internal lumens to the human
body (and/or image from the internal lumens). Such internal lumens
can include, but are not limited to, those at least partially
defining: the respiratory tract, the cardiovascular system (e.g.,
heart, blood vessels), at least a portion of a CSF-space of the
nervous system (e.g., the spinal canal, the ventricles of the
brain, the sub-arachnoids space, etc.), at least a portion of the
urinary tract (for example a urethra), at least a portion of the
lymphatic system, at least a portion of the abdominal cavity, at
least a portion of the thoracic cavity, at least a portion of the
gastrointestinal tract, at least a portion of a reproductive tract
(either the female reproductive tract--e.g., a lumen of a fallopian
tube), or the male reproductive tract (including various lumens
including but not limited to the epidermis, vas deferens or ductile
deferens, efferent duct, ampoule, seminal duct, ejaculatory duct,
or urethra), the biliary tract, a nostril or nasal cavity, the oral
cavity, the digestive tract, the tear ducts, a glandular system,
and/or the reproductive tract. Other body lumens may be found in
the auditory or visual system, or in interconnections thereof,
e.g., the Eustachian tubes. As such, three can be a considerable
variety of applications for certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100.
[0392] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to visualize, image, and/or provide information at a single
resolution device, such as may be appropriate for a particular
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing application, a particular resolution, or a particular
use. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be configured to visualize,
image, and/or provide information at a variety of resolutions or
applications, such as can be controlled by certain embodiments of
the visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97
as described in this disclosure with respect to FIG. 1. Such
variation of the Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing resolution may vary depending on use. For
instance, in those instances where the embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 is
being used to determine a location or position of an organ, bone,
etc., relatively high resolution (e.g., low quality) Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
can be utilized. By comparison, in those instances where the
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 are being used to detect tumors or the
like, a relatively improved resolution (high quality) visualize,
image, and/or provide information may be obtained and utilized.
[0393] Certain embodiments of the X-ray Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing can thereby
utilize one or more emitter portions 150 that can apply X-ray
radiation which can be Compton scattered and/or reflected off at
least the portion of the individual 82. As such, certain
conventional X-ray Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging,
or information providing may be referred to as "soft X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing" since it is
reflective (relying at least partially on reflection/refraction of
X-ray based electromagnetic radiation--photons), instead of being
at least partially transmissive as with certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100. Certain transmissive types of conventional X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing can also utilize
fluoroscopy. In addition, X-ray Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing may often utilize
less powerful X-ray signals then conventional X-ray imaging since
the photons of the former do not have to pass through the at least
the portion of the individual 82.
[0394] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 therefore provide a
mechanism to examine or view an aberration in the surface 168 that
can be provided in temporal/positional reflective, real time or
near real time, or in a controllable repeatable or non-repeatable
fashion. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing time (duration)
can be controlled or adjusted based, at least in part, on such
factors as: input from the user, Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing detail. Other
operational characteristics of certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be adjusted and/or controlled by certain embodiments of the
visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97, as
described in this disclosure.
[0395] It is to be understood that the included description(s) of
the at least one emitter portion 150, the at least one detector
portion 152, and/or the at least one display portion 154, as
described in this disclosure, are intended to be illustrative in
nature but not limiting in scope. Modifications and/or alterations
of the devices 150, 151, 152, and/or 154 from those described in
this disclosure are within the intended scope of the present
disclosure, depending they still are within the scope of the
claims.
[0396] As such, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may be configured
such that the physician, dentist, etc. using them can observe a
subsurface visualization, image, and/or provide information of the
region of the at least the portion of the individual 82. Certain
particulars of the Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging,
or information providing and/or the region can vary depending on
the embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager,
or information provider 100. For example, certain Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing can
correspond to where they are looking, wherein they desire to look,
or alternatively where they direct the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 to visualize,
image, or provide information. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
present visualizations, images, and/or provide information to a
group of persons particularly associated with the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider.
[0397] With conventional X-rays that are transmitted through the at
least the portion of the individual 82, including fluoroscopy as
well as conventional transmissive X-rays techniques, X-rays may be
configured to be applied such that the electromagnetic radiation is
applied with sufficient energy level and/or frequency of the X-ray
photons to be applied through the portion of the at least some
matter. The X-ray photons resulting from Compton scattered X-ray is
traditionally not utilized in conventional fluoroscopy-based
imaging modalities. As such, with certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100, the applied X-ray beams 120 do not have to be applied
exclusively, but can represent a percentage (even a minority) of
the electromagnetic radiation being applied to the at least the
portion of the individual 82.
[0398] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can utilize Compton
scattered X-rays that do not have to backscatter or backwardly
reflect from within the at least the portion of the individual 82.
Instead, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can pass at least
partially through the at least the portion of the individual 82 and
be somewhat deflected or forward scattered, such that as described
within the at least the portion of the individual 82. The X-ray
based electromagnetic radiation that is detected as "Compton
scattered" information may thereby at least partially backscatter,
forward scatter, reflect from, or be at least partially deflected
by, the at least the portion of the individual 82. Certain
embodiments of the applied X-ray from the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be applied can
be applied at various angles (ranging from perpendicular to
substantially parallel to the contacting surface 168 of the at
least the portion of the individual 82) relative to the surface of
the matter of the at least the portion of the individual 82.
[0399] The visualization, imaging, or information can be presented
to the user such as a surgeon, veterinarian, dentist, researcher,
etc. by a variety of display portion means that can include, but
are not limited to: an external monitor, a head-mounted display,
stereoscopic projection, a scope device (i.e., endoscope, etc.).
Certain portions of different embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be used
in combination, such as a scope-based emitter portion 150 which can
be used in combination with an at least partially external-based or
internal-based detector portion 152 from another embodiment of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider.
[0400] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be usable or
are adjustable to visualize, image, and/or provide information to
various controllable and/or adjustable depths. For example, certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 could be configured to visualize, image,
and/or provide information to a depth of a few millimeters. Other
embodiments could be configured to visualize, image, and/or provide
information to a depth through the at least the portion of the
individual 82, if provided with X-ray electromagnetic radiation
having sufficient energy or of a suitable X-ray photon frequency or
energy level. The depth of Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing of certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can be a function of frequency, energy level, or other
characteristic of the X-ray photons used to generate the Compton
scattered visualization, image, type of matter of the individual,
as well as power applied to generate the Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, image, or provided information.
[0401] For example, a user or operator can utilize certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 to visualize, image, and/or provide
information at a variety of depths. It is envisioned that a variety
of depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing modalities
can be utilized for the different embodiments of the
debt-controllable Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100. With certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as
described in this disclosure, the Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing can visualize,
image, and/or provide information from the surface 168 down to and
including the controlled depth of the at least the portion of the
individual 82.
[0402] Certain embodiments of a robotic or automated system can
utilize certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, such as to allow a
wide variety of automated or robotic devices to operate at least
partially in response to visualization, imaging, or provided
information. For instance, certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider could
scan the at least the portion of the individual for suspicious
areas such as melanomas automatically, and indicate any suspicious
region to a doctor or operator to be more closely considered.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be configured to control a
robotic device at least partially in response to the X-ray Compton
scattered X-ray information. It may be envisioned that certain
automated devices or robotic devices could be configured to allow
surgery, internal procedures (e.g., scope-based or other), and/or
other internal operations based at least in part on visualization,
imaging, or information providing information obtained at least in
part from the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100. Such automated or robotic procedures hold
out the promise of considerable precision, as well as a variety of
automated or remotely-controlled operation.
[0403] A variety of embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to allow control and/or adjustment of the within the at least one
visualization, imaging, or information providing depth range to the
at least one prescribed visualization, imaging, or information
providing depth of the Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can allow an operator such as a surgeon, support person, other
person, machine, robot, etc. to provide input, or manually, to
control and/or adjust the depth at which the at least one
depth-adjustable embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100. With certain
depth-adjustable embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, at least one of
the selected depth that is being visualized, imaged, or have
information provided can be targeted (for example, by tuning the
X-ray beam intensity, energy level, frequency, or other
characteristics) either manually and/or automatically.
[0404] One such technique that can be used to adjust and/or control
the within the at least one visualization, imaging, or information
providing depth range to the at least one prescribed visualization,
imaging, or information providing depth at least partially by
angling the applied X-rays relative to the surface 168 of the at
least the portion of the individual. Provided the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 is configured
to pass through a prescribe depth of matter, the greater the angle
at which the applied X-rays contact the surface 168, the lesser the
travel distance of the at least one substantially scattered depth
range to the at least one prescribed substantially scattered depth
into the matter.
[0405] Another such technique that can be used to adjust and/or
control the at least one substantially scattered depth range to the
at least one prescribed substantially scattered depth by certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can involve providing a depth equivalent
material or device between that the applied X-rays should pass
through. For example, assume that the depth equivalent material or
device represents the equivalent of 2 mm. Assuming the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 is
configured to image at 5 mm, the image subtraction or combination
effect of the depth equivalent material would result in Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
down to a depth of 3 mm. A number of depth equivalent material of
devices can be provided such as to allow control and/or adjustment
over the desired substantially scattered depth range to the at
least one prescribed substantially scattered depth.
[0406] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may be configured
to obtain the X-ray Compton scattered X-ray information in a manner
capable of temporally reflecting motion (conscious or reflexive) of
portion(s) of the individual 82 than are deeper than those
described up to this point. For example, certain embodiments of the
aberrative matter, etc. may be configured to visualize, image,
and/or provide information at least one organ(s), bone(s), bone
portion(s), blood vessel(s), blood capillar(ies), etc. that may be
spaced relatively deeply subsurface. By altering certain
operational characteristics of the X-ray based electromagnetic
radiation that may be applied by the at least one emitter
portion(s) 150 as described with respect to FIG. 1, as well as
received by certain embodiments of the at least one detector
portion(s) 152, the visualization, imaging, or information
providing depth can thereby be controlled.
[0407] Considering that conventional X-rays can image by X-rays
passing completely through the at least the portion of the
individual, it should be understood that Compton scattered X-ray
technologies can be used to visualize, image, and/or provide
information a considerable depth into the at least the portion of
the individual provided the X-rays are configured to travel with a
suitable frequency of the X-ray photons at a suitable energy level,
etc. Such Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing of at least partially internal organs, bones,
etc. can better be performed in some internal location that is not
at least partially hidden, distorted, or obscured by bones, metal
or other X-ray diffusive matter. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may
be configured such that the obtaining the X-ray Compton scattered
X-ray information such as can be obtained visually.
[0408] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can visualize,
image, and/or provide information from a variety of perspectives.
For instance, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can provide
different types of views. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be configured to provide depth visualizations, images, and/or
provided information and/or visualize, image, and/or provide
information in substantially temporal and/or positional reflective
condition, such as could be detected by the user.
[0409] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 could provide depth
visualizations, images, and/or provided information and/or
visualize, image, and/or provide information at absolute locations
in space. For instance, a particular bone, joint, portion of an
organ, etc. could be located or situated at a precise position with
respect to the at least the portion of the individual 82, a device,
a location in space, a building or room, etc. Such determination of
a position, situation, or location could be determined using a
global positioning system (GPS), another global positional program
or device, or using a coordinate system or device relative to the
at least the portion of the individual, or the location thereof. In
addition to the location or position, there may be an indication of
the condition of the particular bone, joint, portion of the organ,
etc. at that location. Once such positional information is
obtained, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 could utilize,
implant, generate at least portions of the depth visualizations,
images, and/or provided information such as may be provided using
an additional or alternate visualization, imaging, or information
providing modality, an other application, other maps, etc.
[0410] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 that are so
configured to provide good resolution should be capable of
providing 100 micron, or better, resolution based on the X-ray
Compton scattered X-ray technology. As described in this
disclosure, streak camera, pixellated streak cameras, CCDs,
avalanche detectors, and other detector-type devices can be be used
to provide very good resolution and accuracy. With such resolution,
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider could be used to determine
positional information precisely and accurately. Such combining of
multiple imaging and/or visualizing modalities may limit the depth
visualizing, imaging, or information providing computation
necessary by certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 by, for example,
inputting image information already derived from other sources.
[0411] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can thereby provide
for overlaying of combining of the X-ray Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing with other
conventional and/or imaging modalities. For example, MRI could be
overlaid on certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100. MRI provides a
good example of an additional imaging modality that can be used in
combination with X-rays, since MRI is generally understood to be
highly accurate, provide considerable visualizations, images,
and/or provided information in the medical area, and can be quite
expensive. As such, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can capture
or otherwise obtain temporal/positional reflective Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing,
and a variety of locative techniques in utilized to match recently
obtained MRI or other imaging modality images (two or three
dimensions) in the imaged region. For example, certain fiducials
could provide position information for MRI (or other imaging
modality) such as could also provide position information for
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100.
[0412] As such, the location of the fiducials they can provide
position information for MRI could be used to co-locate the MRI
and/or the subsurface Compton scattered X-ray. Certain embodiments
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100, once the X-ray subsurface Compton scattered X-ray
depth visualizations, images, or provided information has been
located with respect to the other imaging modality such as MRI, the
depth visualizations, images, and/or provided information, depth
visualizations, images, or provided information relating to MRI can
be imported, utilized, and/or displayed by certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100. Certain of the fiducial can be endogenous (such as
blood within the blood vessel); while other fiducials can be
exogenous (such as a bead which is implanted under the skin.
[0413] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can allow providing
inputting higher energy, such as may result in demarcated finer
structures within the visualized, imaged, or information provided
regions that are located deeper into the at least the portion of
the individual. This control or adjustment of the visualization,
imaging, or information providing can result since a larger
percentage of the X-ray based electromagnetic radiation (e.g.,
photons) have the ability to be applied by the emitter portion 150
to travel within the at least the portion of the individual to the
deeper regions, scatter, and travel out again to be detected.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can provide some amount of
adjustment, control, and/or shift to the X-ray based
electromagnetic radiation, which with certain embodiments can be
varied, adjusted, or controlled, especially when Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing deeper
matter, bones, or organs, etc.
[0414] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 are therefore
useful in providing relatively detailed visualizations, images,
and/or provided information about one or more of: matter,
aberrative matter embedded in tissues, bones, organs, etc. A
considerable number of conventional imaging modalities may be
useful for Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing at least some of the matter within the body
of the individual with such resolution.
[0415] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can provide some
quantification, automated observation, and/or feedback associated
with the Compton scattered X-ray in a temporal/positional
reflective basis, and in certain instances at a variety of
controllable depth(s). In certain instances, the Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing can be
performed through modifiable (in-vivo) matter with low latency.
Illuminating electromagnetic characteristics selected with
characteristics having intensity and wavelengths selected to limit
transmission of excessive electromagnetic radiation (e.g., X-ray)
into the body of the individual, and thereby limit X-ray
dosages.
[0416] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to scan across the surface 168 (or through a region) of the at
least the portion of the individual 82. By comparison, certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be configured to capture at least one
visualization, at least one image, and/or provide information
substantially at the same time. The particular characteristics of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 imaging modality are intended to be illustrative in
nature, but not limiting in scope.
[0417] At least portions of certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
include scopes such as endoscopes as described with respect to FIG.
23. Within this disclosure, the term "endoscope" can, depending on
context, refer to an one of a variety of scopes that can be applied
at least partially internally or externally, such as to one or more
of the tracts that are at least partially open that can include,
but are not limited to: the gastrointestinal tract, the respiratory
tract, the urinary tract, the female reproductive system, etc. Such
visualization, imaging, or information providing relative to the
tracts can be for a variety of purposes including, but not limited
to, examination for health, research, or medical purposes,
screening for cancers or tumors, injuries, illnesses, or
sicknesses, reproductive conditions, etc. For example, certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider can be configured as an "endotracheal tube
(ET), or other tube, that can have had the appropriate components
as described with respect to FIG. 1. Certain embodiments of the
endoscopes can be applied into normally closed lumens, cavities,
and portions of the individual such as via a small incision.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be used, for instance, to
determine where such small incisions may be situated, for
example.
[0418] Certain embodiments of the endoscope-based embodiment of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can include, but are not limited to, a rigid or flexible tube
1102, a light delivery system 1104, and the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider component(s). For
instance, certain endoscope-based embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be configured to include zero, 1, or more emitter portion 150;
zero, one, or more Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151;
zero, one, or more detector portion 152; and/or zero, 1, or more
display portion 154, as described with respect to FIG. 1. Other
components component of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 that are not situated in the
scope-based embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider can be included in other associated
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider.
[0419] FIGS. 34 to 37 show four embodiments of certain components
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 relative to the at least the portion of the individual
82. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can utilize either wire-based
or wireless communications to transfer data between related
devices, such as the at least one detector portion 152 and the at
least one display portion, as described in this disclosure. In
addition, certain networking, computing, imaging, and other well
known techniques may be used to facilitate certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100, as described in this disclosure.
[0420] As described in this disclosure with respect to FIGS. 34 to
37, certain embodiment(s) component(s), and/or portion(s) of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can be configured as an at least partially external device,
while other embodiments can be configured as an at least partially
internal device (and/or combination thereof). FIG. 34 shows one
embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100, in which the at least one emitter portion
150 is situated at least partially externally to the at least the
portion of the individual 82; while at least a portion of the
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 is situated at least
partially externally to the at least the portion of the
individual.
[0421] FIG. 35 shows one embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as described with
respect to FIG. 1, in which the at least one emitter portion 150 is
situated at least partially internally to the at least the portion
of the individual 82; while the at least a portion of the Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 is situated at least
partially externally to the at least the portion of the
individual.
[0422] FIG. 36 shows one embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as described with
respect to FIG. 1, in which the at least one emitter portion 150 is
situated at least partially externally to the at least the portion
of the individual 82; while the at least a portion of the Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 is situated at least
partially internally to the at least the portion of the individual.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 35, certain portions of the at
least one Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 (e.g.,
corresponding perhaps to the detector portion 152 of FIG. 1), could
be at least partially internally applied while other portions of
the at least one Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151
(e.g., corresponding perhaps to the display portion 154 of FIG. 1)
can be at least partially externally applied. Certain embodiments
of wireless, wired-based, data-transfor, image transfer, or other
similar mechanism can allow for communication between the internal
and external portions of the at least one Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151.
[0423] FIG. 37 shows one embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as described with
respect to FIG. 1, in which the at least one emitter portion 150 is
situated at least partially internally to the at least the portion
of the individual 82; while the at least a portion of the Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 is situated at least
partially internally to the at least the portion of the individual.
For example, as illustrated in FIG. 37, certain portions of the at
least one Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 (e.g.,
corresponding perhaps to the detector portion 152 of FIG. 1), could
be at least partially internally applied while other portions of
the at least one Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151
(e.g., corresponding perhaps to the display portion 154 of FIG. 1)
can be at least partially externally applied. Certain embodiments
of wireless, wired-based, data-transfor, image transfer, or other
similar mechanism can allow for communication between the internal
and external portions of the at least one Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly 151.
[0424] There can be a variety of embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100
which may utilize a tactile feedback such as to "transfer" some
type of feel or touch sensation to the user. Such tactile feedback
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 may be considered as one embodiment of the
tool, as described in this disclosure such as relative to FIGS. 23,
39, and at other locations, for example. For instance, certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 may include, or be associated with, that
can allow the operator such as a physician to "feel" at least some
of the nodules such as to provide an indication as to whether they
may be cancerous. The importance of the interrelationship between
sight and touch is well-recognized in many health fields. For
example, doctors, veterinarians, dentists, assistants, researchers,
etc. often provide their analysis of combination of feeling and
seeing at least a portion of the individual, in combination.
[0425] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as described in
this disclosure, thereby provide considerable sight (at least
partially internally and/or at least partially externally) in the
form of imaging, visualization, and/or information providing. Such
"sight" as can be provider by certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be combined with "touch", which can be provider by certain
embodiments of tactile feedback mechanisms. Such embodiments of the
tactile feedback mechanism may include various components are
mechanisms of automation, tactile feedback, remote-control,
robotics, etc., as generally understood in those respective arts,
and will not be described more fully in this disclosure. Certain
embodiments of the tactile feedback mechanism may be particularly
useful when the particular Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 is being applied at least
partially internally to the individual, such that the user cannot
always see the internal location. Such tactile feedback embodiments
are especially useful for certain doctors, surgeons, veterinarians,
dentists, assistants, researchers, etc. with somewhat limited
senses of touch and/or sight.
[0426] In certain instances, the tactile feedback may be partially
associated with the diagnosis from a medical user such as a surgeon
or doctor. A number of medical diagnosis, examination, treatment,
and other practices rely on a combination of sight in combination
with touch. It is to be understood that during conventional breast
cancer examinations, the "feel" or "touch" of the physician to
detect breast cancer nodules in an important portion of examination
and/or diagnosis. Proctologists, for example, are often forced to
rely on touch or feel, since the ability to see potential medical
situations or conditions may be limited. As such, providing certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider with tactile capabilities may be particularly
important in the diagnosis or treatment phases. For example,
certain doctors may more directly locate or tactilely "feel" for
cancers, tumors, or which may be relatively hard as compared with
the surrounding matter, nodules, organs, tissue, fat, muscle, or
other matter. For dental users, the tactile feedback may by
utilized in conjunction with a dental drill or pick, etc., such
that the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can be used to indicate the degree and/or area of
dental decay, etc. during drilling, etc. It is to be understood
that many types of users may similarly benefit from the tactile
feedback being provided by certain tools by certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100.
[0427] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 could be configured
to provide a variety of types of tactile feedback. Tactile feedback
may be based on hardness or softness of the matter, such as iron or
calcium concentration, or concentration of other matter. The
tactile feedback system could involve feeding a signal representing
some aspect of touchability (e.g., the matter is hard, soft,
resilient, etc.) from the tactile system back to the instrument,
such as can be displayed, and/or provided as some tactile output to
the user. Certain embodiments of the instrument may not be able to
"feel" the feedback information in a similar manner as a person,
and as such certain tactile output information can be returned from
the at least one visualization, image, and/or provided information
in image or data form. As such, the user of certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider could receive feedback either visually and/or
tactically.
[0428] In addition, certain types of tools can be configured to be
actuated based on user input. Such tools may be configured as an
endoscope, or alternately some devoted type of tool such as a
cutter, gamma knife, scalpel, separator, tactile feedback provider,
ablator, surgical suction, etc. Such actuation of at least portions
of tool based on user input may be considered as a version of
robotics, remote control, amplification, and/or automation. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be configured as allow controlled
(e.g., robotic surgery), as well as image processing to precisely
detect organs, make incisions, cut matter away, ablate matter,
visualize, image, and/or provide information relating to a region
in matter, etc.
[0429] Certain embodiments of the tactile feedback could be
provided on a probe or other portion of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 itself, such as in
an endoscope. The greater the tactile feedback can enhance certain
surgical techniques for surgeons, certain dental techniques for
dentists, certain veterinarian techniques for veterinarians, etc.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be configured as to
generate a tactile response that can be detected by a person at
least partially in response to the X-ray Compton scattered X-ray
information. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to be minimally invasive to locate organ, and confirm whether it is
at a perceived location. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100
could allow surgeons, etc. to visualize and/or operate such as to
perform more complex surgeries using "keyholes", or incisions,
within the patient.
[0430] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 with tactile
feedback can be configured to visualize, image, and/or provide
information from a location at least partially external to the at
least the portion of the individual. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
with tactile feedback can be configured to visualize, image, and/or
provide information from a location at least partially internal to
at least the portion of the individual (either via a normally open
location such as using an endoscope or via a normally closed
location such as with an incision).
[0431] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 could therefore be
utilized for a variety of applications and Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing techniques outside
of scope of confessional X-ray. For example, certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 could be situated, or made viewable to the at least
the portion of the individual at their bedside such as they may
view. As such, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may be utilized as
a relatively inexpensive alternative to MRI, for example, which
doesn't necessarily enclose the body of the at least the portion of
the individual as is the case with MRI, CT, etc. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 may therefore serve as a direct
replacement, in certain applications, for such imaging technologies
as MRI, CT, etc. In addition, certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100
might be preferred, in certain applications, to ultrasound because
of the considerable contrast of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider.
[0432] As described in this disclosure, certain embodiments of the
emitter portion 150 may be at least partially steerable.
Additionally, certain embodiments of the detector portion 152 may
be at least partially adjustable to control the direction which it
best receives X-ray-based electromagnetic radiation. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 may therefore be configured such that the
emitter portion 150 is relatively closely aligned with the detector
portion 152. Similarly, certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 may
be configured to such that the emitter portion 150 moves into an
approximate alignment with the detector portion 152, in certain
embodiment as to create a standing pattern such as may be utilized
to visualize, image, and/or provide information relating to a
region utilizing scanning, such as is generally known with certain
display technologies. By utilizing such scanning embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100, relatively good-quality Compton scattered X-ray visualization,
imaging, or information providing can be provided. Additionally,
relatively low power may be necessary (as compared to other medical
imaging modalities), such as may be useful in limiting the exposure
of the at least the portion of the individual to relatively
high-powered X-rays, as described in this disclosure.
[0433] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to identify a trend of pattern correlating to the change in state
to a pattern corresponding to a macrostate. These patterns can be
correlated to a target indicative of a particular condition. By
comparing the visualized, imaged, or information provided pattern
with the pattern recognized as representing a condition, illness,
etc. The information, data, patterns, etc. can be maintained in a
database, the pattern of information can be used for a prognosis of
the condition, illness, etc. The use of information, data,
patterns, etc. as can be received by or pr processed from scattered
X-ray from Compton scattered X-ray can therefore be quite useful
for a variety of purposes.
[0434] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to use selected portion of new slice info, and higher resolution
info to produce composite visualize, image, and/or provide
information (having enhanced resolution) as compared to original
visualizations, images, or provided information. Also, producing
this can be responsive to matter deformation modeling. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be configured to consider information
that can be not only anatomically obtained, but also functionally
obtained. (Instead or in addition to displaying info, correlate to
a bio-state, or change in state. Change in state from a plurality
of locations).
[0435] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
such as their at least one emitter portion 150 and their at least
one detector portion 152 integral to a tool (surgical, examination,
positioning, scope-type, tactile feedback provider, luminal, etc.).
In certain instances, the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 may provide a proximity sensor
function to the tool. For example, the at least one emitter portion
150 may be sized such as to emit (in substantially 4.pi. or 2.pi.
steradians) at a desired frequency and/or energy level based on the
depth that is being examined or that the tool is being positioned,
and the detector portion may be a pixellated X-ray detector portion
array, an avalanche detector array, a CCD array, etc. Examples of
X-ray detectors may include, but are not limited to, pixellated
streak cameras, streak cameras, CCD devices, avalanche detectors,
or other devices. With certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, the emitter
portion may produce a beam, where the detector portion is not a
pixellated array (e.g., including a Kulikov lens, and/or a Bragg
lens). Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 might include the
emitter portion at the distal end of the tool, and the detector
portion separated there from either in close proximity or by a
considerable distance in a manner desirable to provide suitable
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 might be
particularly useful if positioned on, integrated into, or otherwise
associated with the tool (e.g., situated on the tip of a probe or
cutter, on at least one tip of scissors, on forceps, on needles,
etc.). FIG. 39, for example, illustrates one embodiment of the tool
(surgical knife) including an embodiment of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100. For the
purpose of this disclosure, certain endoscopes as described with
respect with FIG. 23 can be considered as tools that can include
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100. Certain embodiments of tools
may also be associated with a tactile feedback mechanism that
provides at least some tactile feedback, which by themselves may be
considered as another embodiment of tool within this disclosure. It
may therefore be desirable to position certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 on, proximate to, or to provide viewability of, operative
surfaces of a variety of such tools as surgical tools, tactile
feedback providers, etc. Such embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can thereby
provide a visualization, imaging, or information providing from the
viewpoint of the tool.
[0436] Implants, constructs, pins, screws, etc. such as may be
positioned within the individual may be considered as one
embodiment of the tool, which may include certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100. Additionally, certain implants, constructs, pins,
screws, etc. can be viewed as tools that in include certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100. Certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
provide an added benefit, such that when a user such as a surgeon
is placing a pedicle screw, it is highly desired to stay within the
pedicle because if the surgeon goes outside they may contact a
nerve root. As such, the embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can act as a
pedicle guide. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can thereby be
considered to combine with a warning system that can utilize
certain embodiments of the depth visualizing, imaging, or
information providing controller 97. Certain embodiments of the
depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing controller 97
can include, as data or information, a variety of individual
information, such as patient information, injury, illness, and if
the user (doctor, dentist, veterinarian, etc.) is positioning the
tool at an undesired location or performing some undesired
procedure (e.g., at the wrong side of the patient's body), in which
instance a suitable alarm may be actuated in the event of a
suitable event.
[0437] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can thereby be
configured as a surgical tool, certain of which may be configured
to act as a proximity sensor, while output from others may be
displayed. It is envisioned that the emitter portion 150 and/or the
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 could be integral to
the surgical tool and/or tactile feedback provider. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be configured to image once. multiple
times, or can include a number of or at least one displaceable
emitter portion(s) to provide scanning. In certain instances, upon
the surgical tool being positioned relative to the at least the
portion of the individual is configurable to emit X-ray based
electromagnetic radiation suitable to image to a controllable depth
into an at least one matter of at least a portion of the individual
to be used to derive depth visualizations, images, or provided
information at least partially in response to Compton scattered
X-ray of the X-ray based electromagnetic radiation. The detector
portion may also be integral to the surgical tool and/or tactile
feedback provider that is operable, and as such may be alignable
and/or controllable. Certain embodiments of the emitter portion may
include scopes, but may also be at least partially externally
situated. Certain of the at least partially internal embodiments
may be inserted through insertion or via a normally open opening to
be at least partially applied relative to at least a portion of the
individual such as to receive at least one Compton scattered X-ray
that has been Compton scattered in an at least one matter, etc. of
the at least the portion of the individual.
[0438] Certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controlling 97 are configured particularly to
generate the depth visualizations or images that can be displayed
over the display portion 154 of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as described with
respect to FIG. 1, and other locations through this disclosure. By
comparison, certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controlling 97, as described with respect to
FIG. 38, can be configured to produce information that can be
displayed over certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, which can be
observed by the user and/or individual (human). Consider, for
example, the embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 that can scan individuals for
such aspects as cancers (e.g., breast cancer, melanomas), tumors,
blood vessel locations (perhaps in diabetics to provide insulin
shots), heart condition, bone fragments or portions (especially
useful at certain sporting events, etc.), burn victim examination,
and/or a variety of emergencies or situations which a variety of
emergency, rescue, medical, as well as individuals who wish to
examine themselves at locations remote from conventional imaging
equipment are likely to encounter.
[0439] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider can utilize lower power
requirements and conventional imagers since they rely on Compton
scattered X-ray of X-rays instead of transmission X-rays (i.e., the
latter requires providing enough energy to the X-ray photons to
pass the X-ray photons through the image portion of the individual,
instead of scattering within the individual as with the former).
Since less energies required for typical operation of the Compton
scattered X-ray depth and visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100; they can thereby be configured to operate with
reduced input voltages. It is feasible that certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can be made to use power supplies a medical clinics,
homes, offices, vehicles, etc. and can thereby be made considerably
more portable than conventional imaging equipment.
[0440] By allowing certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 to operate
using relatively low power as compared to conventional imaging
systems, is likely that the visualization, imaging, and/or
information providing systems can be utilized in regions remote
from sophisticated electrical infrastructure. As such, certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be applied to remote medical
facilities, or regions, sporting events, office locations,
relatively poor or remote regions, villages, islands, etc. Certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can thereby be situated where the medical,
dental, rescue, emergency, or other need is (e.g., where sick,
injured, or other individuals to be examined may be situated), as
compared to where relatively large power supplies or complex or
expensive imaging equipment may be located.
[0441] As such, certain portable embodiments of the at least the
portion of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can utilize such portable energy-provided
devices as fuel cells, batteries, generator, etc. By allowing a
wide range of portable energy sources, such as allowed by
relatively low power usage by certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100,
relatively portable embodiments of visualizing, imaging, or
information providing solutions can be provided.
[0442] As such, certain user-operated embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
be configured to be used in, and are designed to be suitable to be
used in, the particular location of the user (e.g., doctor's
office, operating room, emergency center, rescue vehicle,
ambulance, dentist office, veterinarian, a vehicle, the
individual's home or office, a remote village, etc.) to visualize,
image, and/or provide information at least a portion of the
individual, or receive information relating to the individual.
Certain individual-operated, home-based, office based, or other
remote embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be configured to be used
in, and are designed to be suitable to be used in) the home,
office, or other location of the user that can be used by the user
(who may be the individual) as a home-style version to visualize,
image, and/or provide information at least a portion of the
individual, or receive information relating to the individual. The
different user-operated or individual-operated embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can each have varied functions and/or operations.
[0443] Considering the privacy issues, and the time required for
patients to visit doctors, etc., the individual-operated
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 can be configured to allow people, and
other individuals, to monitor a variety of aspects of their own
condition. Consider the privacy, flexibility, independence, and
other benefits that home pregnancy tests have provided for women.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be configured to provide
depth visualization, images, and/or associated information related
to a variety of other conditions, illnesses, injuries, sicknesses,
and other conditional, medical, and/or routine check-up aspects.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 could even be designed based,
at least partially, on X-ray radiation limiting, user input,
ergonomics, quality of imaging, and other such factors; and might
be updated, improved, and changed as appropriate based on usage and
feedback considerations.
[0444] Certain embodiments of the individual-operated embodiments
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can be configured to be devoted to only one, or a
relatively few, devoted task (e.g., cancer or tumor scans, blood
vessel locator, bone fragment detector, etc.). By being devoted to
a few specific tasks, these devoted embodiments of the
individual-operated embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be made
relatively inexpensively, and relatively simple, for the individual
and/or other person using it. Consider that patients, family
members, friends, etc. would typically be expected to have
relatively little training and/or experience with imaging systems,
and a such, such embodiments should be made relative straight
forward to understand with relatively little training.
[0445] By applying certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 to
conventional imaging equipment, certain devoted tasks, logic,
computer programming, electronic circuitry, and/or other processing
circuitry can make relatively clear analysis, determinations,
prognosis, etc. as compared certain relatively expensive and
multi-use conventional imaging equipment such as MRIs and CAT scan
devices. As such, a particularly exemplary embodiment of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can be configured for a particular of a few devoted operations
such as examining for such conditions, illnesses, or injuries as
melanomas, cancers, tumors, bone condition, tissue condition,
ligament or tendon condition, etc. Certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can be designed, for example, to scan region of the individual
for such aberrations as they may occur.
[0446] Thereupon, certain embodiments of the visualization,
imaging, or information providing controller 97 can be configured
to determine logically (using a combination of hardware, software,
firmware, as described in this disclosure) whether the condition
falls within limits as to require further examination, for example.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be configured to provide
such devoted tasks with output in the form of imaging and/or
visualization. Although certain embodiments of these devoted
devices can more suitably, and less expensively, output one or more
of a variety of information resulting at least partially from some
analysis and processing in a non-image-based mode (e.g., text,
graphics, analysis output, etc.) which could be of considerable use
both to trained and/or untrained users.
[0447] There are a variety of techniques by which certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 that can visualize, image, or provide
information to within a depth substantially scattered range to a
prescribed substantially scattered depth in at least some matter of
the at least the portion of the individual. Certain of these
techniques are illustrated in FIGS. 40 and 41, for example.
[0448] FIG. 40, for example, illustrates an embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 that can visualize, image, or provide information to within the
depth substantially scattered range to between the prescribed
substantially scattered depth 168, 170a, 170b in at least some
matter of the at least the portion of the individual by applying a
number of applied X-rays 120m, 120n, and 120o that respectively
scatter at respective scattering events sitated at differing
respective prescribed substantially scattered depth 168, 170a, 170b
to provide respective scattered X-rays 122m, 122n, and 122o. Though
the number of applied X-rays 120m, 120n, and 120o are illustrated
as being applied at different angles (such as from multiple emitter
portions are different angles, or from a single emitter portion
through several collimators), it should be understood that though
these applied X-rays 120m, 120n, and 120o can be applied parallel
or spaced from each other, such as being provide from an array. The
respective scattered X-rays 122m, 122n, and 122o can be detected by
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151.
[0449] FIG. 41, for example, illustrates an embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 that can visualize, image, or provide information to within the
depth substantially scattered range to between the prescribed
substantially scattered depth 168, 170a, 170b in at least some
matter of the at least the portion of the individual by the at
least one emitter portion 150 applying a single applied X-ray 120p
that scatters at respective scattering events sitated at differing
respective prescribed substantially scattered depth 168, 170a, 170b
to provide respective scattered X-rays 122p, 122q, and 122r. The
respective scattered X-rays 122p, 122q, and 122r can be detected by
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray receiving
assembly 151.
[0450] Certain characteristics of electromagnetic waves, currents,
flows, fields, etc. (including aspects relating to X-rays, X-ray
photons, electrons, etc.) is described in The Electrical
Engineering Handbook, Second Edition, Richard C. Dorf, CRC
Press/IEEE Press, (incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety). Certain types of X-rays, which may be characterized
broadly as electromagnetic waves, particles, fields, currents,
etc., can be controlled, adjusted, varied, weakened, intensified,
directed, etc. utilizing certain shielding, shaping, and/or
electromagnetic controller techniques; such as are generally
understood by those skilled in electrical engineering and/or
electromagnetics. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can utilize
X-rays, electromagnetic signals, particles, waves, etc. for Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing.
2. Controllable and/or Adjustable Embodiments of the Compton
Scattered X-ray Visualizer, Imager, or Information Provider
[0451] As described with respect to FIG. 1, certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can direct the applied X-ray 120 toward matter
underneath a surface of at least a portion of the individual. The
applied X-ray can be scattered by the matter of the at least a
portion of the individual based on Compton scattered X-ray aspects
and equations, as described in this disclosure. Based upon the
amount of Compton's scattering, the energy level loss of the X-ray
photons during the scattering event, and other such scattering
characteristics, can be considered during Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing. In certain
instances, the energy level of the X-ray photons being applied to
the matter of the individual can be ramped up, decreased, modified,
maintained, etc. as described in this disclosure with respect to
FIGS. 42 to 45. Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can thereby
visualize, image, or provide information relating to particular
matter based at least partially on increasing, reducing, modifying,
or maintaining the energy levels of the X-ray photons (and thereby
conversely decreasing the frequency of the X-ray photons) included
in the applied X-rays, and thereby controlling and/or adjusting the
operation of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider. As the energy level of the X-ray photons
respectively increases or decreases, within the at least one
visualizing, imaging, or information providing depth range to the
at least one prescribed visualizing, imaging, or information
providing depth of a considerable majority of the photons can
thereupon generally respectively increase or decrease, though not
typically in a linear fashion.
[0452] While the embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 as described with
respect to FIGS. 42-45 illustrate the at least one emitter portion
150 whose output is controlled by an additional device; in
actuality the distinct added device can be considered as an
integral portion of the at least one emitter portion. As such,
certain embodiments of the at least one emitter portion may be
considered as configured to apply adjustable and/or controllable
applied X-rays toward the at least some matter of the at least the
portion of the individual.
[0453] As described above, there can be a variety of mechanisms
that can be used to adjust and/or control certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100, largely based on operation of the visualization,
imaging, or information providing controller 97 to control and/or
adjust the energy level, frequency, or other characteristics of the
X-ray photons included in the applied X-ray 120. There are other
mechanisms which may be utilized to control and/or adjust this
depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing of certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100.
[0454] The modification, control, adjustment, etc. in the
characteristics of Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging,
or information providing into the matter of the at least the
portion of the individual may not necessarily follow a linear
function relative to the increasing energy levels of the X-ray
photons making up the applied X-rays. In addition, since the matter
of such individuals is not homogenous, the rate of Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
may vary as a function of the material within the individual being
imaged. For example, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be
configured for imaging at least partially through bone would be
expected to differ considerably (e.g., requiring different, likely
increased, energy levels of the photons) as compared to the imaging
characteristics required for less dense matter such as tissue,
fluids such as blood or water, tumors, gums, various organs, etc.
As such, certain embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
to adjust and/or control the at least one visualizing, imaging, or
information providing depth range to the at least one prescribed
visualizing, imaging, or information providing depth such as by
using a variety of techniques as described in this disclosure.
[0455] FIG. 42 shows another embodiment of the control or
adjustment mechanism 302, in which an anode switching or modifying
mechanism (e.g., to include an adjustable anode wheel, or varying
photon generator, as described with respect to FIGS. 8 or 9) can
allow for physically altering or changing of the anode 834. Certain
embodiments of the anode 834 have been described with respect to
FIGS. 8 or 9. For instance, the anode wheel has been described with
respect to FIGS. 8, and is described with respect to FIG. 42. The
anode wheel can be rotated (e.g., using a step or motor, etc.),
such as to align a different anode such as might have different
materials, configurations, and/or dimensions, etc. such as to allow
a change in the anode that is in communication with the electron
stream, thereby providing varied energy levels (e.g., frequencies
of X-ray photons) for the applied X-ray 120. Certain embodiments of
the anode wheel 4202 can be rotated or displaced about an axis
4204, such as by using a stepper motor or other suitable actuator,
such as to operably position at least one anode 834 of the desired
material, size, shape, configuration, etc. within the emitter
portion as desired. Positioning an anode having the desired
characteristics within the emitter portion as described with
respect to FIG. 8 effectively generates the applied X-rays having
the desired characteristics (e.g., X-ray photon energy level and
corresponding frequency). Additionally, certain embodiments of the
photon generator 880, as described with respect to FIG. 9, can be
configured to provide X-ray photons having varied intensities
and/or frequencies, such that could be used to control and/or
adjust certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100. For example, the
photon generator as described with respect to FIG. 9 could include
multiple distinct photons generators, each of which could be
individually actuated as to provide a controllable and/or
adjustable version of the applied X-ray 120 having the desired
X-ray photon frequency and/or energy level characteristics.
[0456] FIG. 43 shows another embodiment of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 including one
embodiment of a control or adjustment mechanism 302 that can be
utilized by certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider, in which the angle of
the applied X-ray 120 can be adjusted or controlled by being angled
relative to the surface 168 of the at least the portion of the
individual 82. As the angle of the applied X-ray 120 changes, the
at least one visualizing, imaging, or information providing depth
range to the at least one prescribed visualizing, imaging, or
information providing depth can vary as a cosine function of the
angle. As such, increasing the angle of the applied X-ray can
therefore reduce the at least one visualizing, imaging, or
information providing depth range to the at least one prescribed
visualizing, imaging, or information providing depth in a
predictable, adjustable, and/or controllable fashion.
[0457] FIG. 44 shows another embodiment of the Compton scattered
X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 including
another embodiment of the control or adjustment mechanism 302, in
which an X-ray depth-imaging depth reducing mechanism can be
operationally applied between the emitter portion 150 the surface
of the at least the portion of the individual (or at some other
locations) as to limit the at least one depth substantially
scattering range to the at least one prescribed substantially
scattering depth to reduce the energy level of the X-ray photons
being applied to the at least the portion of the individual.
Consider that, in general, as the applied X-rays 120 travel through
the matter of the at least the portion of the individual, they
typically lose energy. As such, the X-ray depth-imaging depth
reducing mechanism can be configured is any device or mechanism
that can similarly reduce the energy level of the X-ray photons of
the applied X-ray prior to being applied to the at least the
portion of the individual. Certain embodiments of the adjustment or
control mechanism 44 as illustrated in FIG. 44 could include an
X-ray energy level or frequency modulator or modifier.
[0458] As such, the effective at least one substantial scattering
within the at least one substantially scattering depth range to the
at least one prescribed substantially scattering depth 120 can
enter into the matter of the at least the portion of the individual
can be reduced by initially passing through certain embodiments of
the X-ray depth-imaging depth reducing mechanism can be reduced.
Certain X-ray depth-imaging depth reducing mechanism to embodiments
of the control or adjustment mechanism 302 can effectively decrease
the energy level and/or frequency of the X-ray photons included in
the applied X-rays 120. Various X-ray depth-imaging depth reducing
mechanism to arrange for a layer of material that at least
partially dissipates the energy of the X-ray photons, to at least
one semiconductor device or other mechanism that can modulate X-ray
frequencies and thereby reduce energies, etc.
[0459] FIG. 45 shows another embodiment of the adjustable or
controllable mechanism 302 by which a variety of filters would be
applied to the applied X-ray to filter out at least certain
frequency X-rays, while allowing at least other frequency X-rays to
pass. Certain embodiments of the emitter portion 150 thereby can
include multiple X-ray generators, multiple anodes, or multiple
devices that each can generate X-rays photons having a distinct
frequency. Alternately, certain embodiments of the emitter portion
150 can generate a broadband X-ray including X-rays having a range
of frequencies, only certain ones of which are allowed to pass
through the filter embodiment of the adjustment or control
mechanism 302. For instance, FIG. 45 shows one filtering embodiment
of the adjustment or control mechanism 302 that allows X-ray
photons having frequency corresponding to applied X-ray 120x to
pass, while limiting the ability of X-ray photons having
frequencies corresponding to applied X-rays 120y and 120z to
pass.
[0460] There are therefore a variety of configurations of various
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 that can include a variety of types of
adjustment or control mechanism 302 by which the energy level of
X-ray photons can be controlled or adjusted. Certain embodiments of
the at least one emitter portion 150 and/or the at least one
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 can be configured in
arrays, or by having slightly different operating characteristics.
As such, one or more of the at least one emitter portion 150 and/or
the at least one Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151 can
be actuated and/or deactuated, depending on characteristic,
position, angle, etc. such as to allow for control and/or
adjustment of the visualizing, imaging, or providing information
modalities.
[0461] Additionally, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray receiving assembly 151 can be directed, positioned, angled,
filtered, or otherwise operated to only receive certain scattered
X-rays. While these embodiments of the the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 are not
illustrated, it is to be understood that certain embodiments of the
adjustment or control mechanism 302 can be situated relative to the
at least one emitter portion 150, relative to the at least one
Compton scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151, at some median
location, or elsewhere. Certain embodiments of the adjustment or
control mechanism 302 can be software, hardware, firmware, and/or
processor intensive such as to only consider certain of the
scattered X-rays as received by certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray receiving assembly 151.
[0462] The various exemplary embodiments of the adjustment or
control mechanism 302 as described with respect to FIGS. 42 to 45
are intended to be illustrative in nature, but not limiting in
scope. Any of a variety of techniques by which the frequency (and
the corresponding energy level) of the X-ray photons of the applied
X-rays being applied to the at least some matter of the at least a
portion of the individual may be considered as another embodiment
of the adjustment or control mechanism, within the scope of the
present disclosure.
[0463] Additionally, certain embodiments of the adjustment or
control mechanism can be applied to respectively adjust or control
the X-ray photons of the scattered X-ray 122 being scattered from
the scattering event within the matter of the at least the portion
of the at least a portion of the individual. A variety of such
adjustment or control techniques such as filtering, correlating,
controlling, or selectively monitoring certain X-ray photon
frequency or energy levels of the scattered X-rays.
[0464] There may be some of the X-ray photons of the applied X-ray
that are being altered such as by ramping, reducing, modification,
maintaining, in which the applied X-rays is applied into the matter
of the individual can scatter within the at least one substantially
scattered depth range to the at least one prescribed substantially
scattered depth for that particular or instantaneous visualizing,
imaging, or information providing period. Certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can be configured to limit the effects of the X-ray
photons of the Compton scattered X-rays 120 that are returning from
a depth greater than the within the at least one substantially
scattered depth range to the at least one prescribed substantially
scattered depth. Additionally, the depth visualizing, imaging, or
information providing effects of these X-ray photons of the Compton
scattered X-rays 120 can be included in the Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing, with any
distortive effects during the ramping operation either ignored,
filtered, and/or otherwise limited using signal processing
techniques.
[0465] Such increase or ramping of the energy level of the applied
X-ray can be performed by those embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100
that can be tuned. The rate of ramping (e.g., the rate of the
photon energy level) can thereby be set or controlled either
manually or by setting the visualization, imaging, or information
providing controller 97. Experimentation could be used to provide
an indication of a suitable ramping rate for the particular
matter(s) of the at least the portion of the individual.
[0466] With a ramping function, each increase in the energy of the
X-ray photons of the applied X-ray such as would be expected to
provide an increased in the within the at least one substantially
scattered depth range to the at least one prescribed substantially
scattered depth can be monitored by the Compton scattered X-ray
receiving assembly. For example, certain pulse signals can
initially be applied, and time of flight calculations can be
utilized to determine the within the at least one substantially
scattered depth range to the at least one prescribed substantially
scattered depth.
3. Certain Embodiments of the Visualization, Imaging, or
Information Providing Controller
[0467] This disclosure describes a number of embodiments of the
visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97 as
described with respect to FIG. 1, which is intended to control
and/or adjust Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing by the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 of at least the portion of the
individuals 82. As such, certain embodiments of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can
operate without, and/or with little interaction from, the
visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97. By
comparison, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can utilize
considerable input from, and/or entirely utilizing input from, the
visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97.
[0468] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can thereby include
the visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97
as described with respect of FIG. 1; while other embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
may not include utilizing the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller. For example, certain
scintillator-based and/or fluoroscope-based embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
may convert received X-ray based photons directly into viewable
and/or visible photons (which may or may be amplified using a
photomultiplier or CCD) to allow direct Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing, which may limit
the necessity of image processing that may largely rely on the
visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97. By
comparison, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can utilize input
from the user, such as to determine location, angle, position,
resolution, X-ray frequency, energy level, time of depth
visualizing, imaging, or information providing, and other such
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing related factors or characteristics. Such Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
characteristics may be selected, controlled, and/or altered using
certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or information
providing controller 97.
[0469] Some depth visualizing, imaging, or information providing
information, data, images, signals, etc. associated with certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 and/or the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97 may be digital based, while
other embodiments may be analog based. For instance, certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 including the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97, which are largely digital
and/or microprocessor-based, can provide for largely automated
actuation of Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing and/or signals of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 and/or the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider(s) 104.
A number of the components of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider(s) 104 may rely on
analog and/or digital controllers and/or computers which may be
capable of generating signals with considerable power. Other
lower-powered signals from the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider(s) 104 may be either analog and/or
digitally controlled. Certain visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97 that are configured to turn
particular circuits on or off, for example, may be particularly
efficient and/or effective if digital based. Certain embodiments of
the visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97
can be configured to, upon a normal operation, compensate for at
least some distortion as can be provided by the depth visualizing,
imaging, or information providing region of the at least the
portion of the individual. FIG. 1 can represent a block diagram of
certain respective embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 that can include
the visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97
to either control and/or adjust the Compton scattered X-ray
visualization, imaging, or information providing within the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider, or
some other related operations.
[0470] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can be configured
in which an energy level required to image using conventional
transmissive X-ray technologies to the controllable or adjustable
ones of the within the at least one visualizing, imaging, or
information providing depth range to the at least one prescribed
visualizing, imaging, or information providing depth. In certain
instances, the energy intrusion level can be less (and in certain
instances, considerably less) than the energy intrusion level
required to image using conventional transmissive X-ray technology
through the entirety of the at least the portion of the individual
82. By using reduced to X-ray dosages, certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can image, utilize, or provide information while remaining
within a safe emitted radiation level for the individual as well as
though one or more users, which can result from application of
smaller dosages. Certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging,
or information providing controller 97 can even be configured to
monitor, change, adjust, or maintain X-ray exposure levels within
the at least the portion of the individual, X-ray exposure levels
by the individual and/or the user(s), and/or X-ray levels in the
vicinity of the individual and/or the user, etc.
[0471] Certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97 are configured to provide
control and/or adjustability of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 based, at least in
part, on the Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or
information providing operation and/or configuration of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider. For
example, if a user wishes to control and/or adjust an angle, a
position, an X-ray photon frequency or energy level, a resolution,
the within the at least one visualizing, imaging, or information
providing depth range to the at least one prescribed visualizing,
imaging, or information providing depth, or at least one other
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing parameter; then the user could provide suitable input to
the visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97.
Such input to the visualization, imaging, or information providing
controller 97 can be provided via the input/output interface, which
in certain embodiments may be a graphical user interface (GUI), for
example.
[0472] If the user wishes to visualize, image, and/or provide
information relating to a portion of the individual on a real time
basis, a continuous basis, a sequential basis, or another
repetitive basis, then the type of depth visualizing, imaging, or
information providing can also be selected using the input/output
interface 811 of the visualization, imaging, or information
providing controller 97. Certain embodiments of the input/output
interface 811 can additionally provide an indication to the user of
some aspect of the depth visualizations, images, and/or provided
information, such as if the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider is incapable of the depth imaging,
visualizing, or information providing; and will likely not expose
the user and/or individual to unacceptable X-ray dosages, etc.
[0473] Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can thereby
include, but are not limited to, a variety of configurations of the
visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97.
Certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or information
providing controller 97 can also be at least partially computer
based, controller based, mote based, cellular telephone-based,
and/or electronics based. Certain embodiments of the visualization,
imaging, or information providing controller can be segmented into
modules, and can utilize a variety of wireless communications
and/or networking technologies to allow information, data, etc. to
be transferred to the various distinct portions or embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100. Certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97 can be configured as a unitary
device, a networked device, a stand alone device, and/or any
combination of these and other known type devices.
[0474] Certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97 can vary as to their
automation, complexity, and/or sophistication; and can be utilized
to control, setup, establish, and/or maintain communications
between a number of communicating devices during Compton scattered
X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
operation(s). As described within this disclosure, multiple ones of
the different embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 can transfer
information or data relating to the communication link to or from a
remote location and/or some intermediate device as might be
associated with communication, monitoring and/or other activities.
Certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can vary as to the particular
visualization modality, imaging modality, and/or information
providing modality.
[0475] Certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97, as well as certain embodiments
of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 (in general), can utilize distinct firmware, hardware,
and/or software technology. For example, certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider
100 can at least partially utilize one or more of: mote-based
technology, microprocessor-based technology, microcomputer-based
technology, display technology, imaging technology, general-purpose
computer technology, specific-purpose computer technology,
Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (AASICs), and/or a variety
of other computer, electronics, electromagnetic, imaging,
visualizing, and/or information providing technologies, such as can
be utilized by certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging,
or information provider controller 97.
[0476] Certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97 can as described with respect
to FIG. 1 can include depending on context a processor 803 such as
a central processing unit (CPU), a memory 807, a circuit or circuit
portion 809, and an input output interface (I/O) 811 that may
include a bus (not shown). Certain embodiments of the
visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97 of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 can include and/or be a portion of a general-purpose
computer, a specific-purpose computer, a microprocessor, a
microcontroller, a personal display assistant (PDA), a cellular
phone, a wireless communicating device, a hard-wired communication
device, and/or any other known suitable type of communications
device or phone, computer, and/or controller that can be
implemented in hardware, software, electromechanical devices,
and/or firmware. Certain embodiments of the processor 803, as
described with respect to FIG. 1, can perform the processing and
arithmetic operations for certain embodiments of the visualization,
imaging, or information providing controller 97 of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100.
Certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or information
providing controller 97 of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can control the signal
processing, database querying and response, computational, timing,
data transfer, and other processes associated with Compton
scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information providing
such as can be adjusted by and/or controlled by certain embodiments
of the visualization, imaging, or information providing controller
97 of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100.
[0477] Certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97 (depending in part of the
Compton scattered X-ray visualization, imaging, or information
providing process being attempted or performed by the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100),
will undergo considerable image processing by the processor 803.
Particularly, those embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 that can visualize,
image, and/or provide information relating to a relatively large
area, image to relatively high resolution, image continuously,
sequentially, and/or repetitively will provide a large amount of
images or image information. As such, certain embodiments of the
components of the visualization, imaging, or information providing
controller 97 should be designed and configured to handle the type
of visualization, image, and/or provided information processing
that the subsurface Compton scattered X-ray image processing will
be exposed. Certain types of image compression (e.g., lossy and/or
lossless data compression techniques) may be utilized in the
visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97 to
limit production or storage of excessive volumes of redundant
data.
[0478] Certain embodiments of the memory 807 of the visualization,
imaging, or information providing controller 97 can include a
random access memory (RAM) and/or read only memory (ROM) that
together can store the computer programs, operands, and other
parameters that control the operation of certain embodiments of the
visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97 of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100. The memory 807 can be configurable to contain data,
information, images, visualizations, image information, etc. that
can be obtained, retained, or captured by that particular
visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97, as
described in this disclosure.
[0479] Certain embodiments of the bus can be configurable to
provide for digital information transmissions between the processor
803, circuits 809, memory 807, I/O 811, the visualization, image,
and/or provided information memory or storage device (which may be
integrated or removable), other portions within the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider(s) 104,
and/or other portions outside of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider(s) 104. In this
disclosure, the memory 807 can be configurable as RAM, flash
memory, semiconductor-based memory, of any other type of memory
that can be configurable to store data pertaining to depth
visualizations, images, and/or provided information. Certain
embodiments of the bus can also connects I/O 811 to the portions of
certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or information
providing controller 97 of either the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 that can either
receive digital information from, or transmit digital information
to other portions of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100, or other systems and/or
networking components associated therewith.
[0480] Certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97 of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, as described with
respect to FIG. 1, can include a separate, distinct, combined,
and/or associated transmitter portion (not shown) that can be
either included as a portion of certain embodiments of the
visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97 of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100. Certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97 can alternately be provided as
a separate and/or combined unit (e.g., certain embodiments might be
processor-based and/or communication technology-based).
[0481] Certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97 of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 as described with
respect to FIG. 1 can include an operation altering or controlling
portion (described with respect to FIG. 32) that can be either
included as a portion of certain embodiments of the visualization,
imaging, or information providing controller 97 of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, or
alternately can be provided as a separate or combined unit.
[0482] Certain embodiments of the memory 807 can provide an example
of a memory storage portion. In certain embodiments, the monitored
value includes but is not limited to: a percentage of the memory
807, an indication of data that is or can be stored in the memory
807, or for data storage or recording interval. Such memory can
include information about the individual, the treatment, the user,
the treating or examining facility, etc.; and also may include one
or more visualization, image, or provided information as provided
by certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100, or alternately as can be
provided by another visualization, image, or information source
such as tomography visualizations, images, or provided information,
MRI, CT scan, PET scan, etc. such as can be used to provide a
combined image, visualization, or information. To provide for
overflow ability for the memory 807 of certain embodiments of the
visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97 of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100, a secondary storage device can be operably coupled to
the memory 807 to allow a controllable transmitting of memory data
from certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97 of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 when the monitored
value of data or other information within the memory 807 exceeds a
prescribed value. The prescribed value can include, e.g., some
percentage amount or some actual amount of the value.
[0483] In certain embodiments, a secondary communication link can
be established between the certain embodiments of the
visualization, imaging, or information providing controller 97 of
the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100. The secondary communication link can be structured
similar to as a communication link, or alternatively can utilize
network-based computer connections, Internet connections, etc. to
provide information and/or data transfer between certain
embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or information providing
controller 97 of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100.
[0484] In certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97 of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100, the particular
elements of certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or
information providing controller 97 of the Compton scattered X-ray
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 (e.g., the
processor 803, the memory 807, the circuits 809, and/or the I/O
811) can provide a monitoring function to convert raw data as
displayed by an indicator. A monitoring function as provided by
certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or information
providing controller 97 of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be compared to a prescribed
limit, such as whether the number of depth visualizations, images,
and/or provided information contained in the memory 807, the amount
of data contained within the memory 807, or some other measure
relating to the memory is approaching some value. The limits to the
value can, in different embodiments, be controlled by the user or
the manufacturer of certain embodiments of the visualization,
imaging, or information providing controller 97 of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100. In
certain embodiments, the memory 807 can store such information as
data, information, displayable information, readable text, motion
depth visualizations, images, and/or provided information, video
depth visualizations, images, and/or provided information, and/or
audio depth visualizations, images, and/or provided information,
etc.
[0485] In certain embodiments, the I/O 811 provides an interface to
control the transmissions of digital information between each of
the components in certain embodiments of the visualization,
imaging, or information providing controller 97 of the Compton
scattered X-ray visualizer, imager, or information provider 100.
The I/O 811 also provides an interface between the components of
certain embodiments of the visualization, imaging, or information
providing controller 97 of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100. The circuits 809 can include
such other user interface devices as a display and/or a keyboard.
In other embodiments, the visualization, imaging, or information
providing controller 97 of the Compton scattered X-ray visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 can be constructed as a
specific-purpose computer such as an application-specific
integrated circuit (ASIC), a microprocessor, a microcomputer, or
other similar devices.
4. Certain Embodiments of the Compton Scattered X-ray Depth
Visualizer, Imager, or Information Provider with Relevant
Flowcharts
[0486] Within the disclosure, flow charts of the type described in
this disclosure apply to method steps as performed by a computer or
controller as could be contained within certain embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray depth visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100, as described in this disclosure. Additionally, the
flow charts as described in this disclosure apply operations or
procedures that can be performed entirely and/or largely utilizing
mechanical devices, electromechanical devices, or the like, such as
certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray depth
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 as described in
this disclosure. The flow charts can also apply to apparatus
devices, such as an antenna or a node associated therewith that can
include, e.g., a general-purpose computer or specialized-purpose
computer whose structure along with the software, firmware,
electro-mechanical devices, and/or hardware, can perform the
process or technique described in the flow chart.
[0487] An embodiment of the Compton scattered X-ray depth
visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 that can act to
compensate for a distortion by the depth visualizer has been
described with respect to FIG. 1, and elsewhere in this disclosure.
There can be a variety of embodiments of the Compton scattered
X-ray depth visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 that
can be used to visualize, image, or provide information etc. as
described in this disclosure. There can be variety of embodiments
of the Compton scattered X-ray depth visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100.
[0488] FIG. 46 shows certain embodiments of a Compton depth
scattering visualizing, imaging, of information providing technique
4600 such as described with respect to, but not limited to, the
Compton scattered X-ray depth visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100 of FIG. 1, and elsewhere in this disclosure. Certain
embodiments of a high-level flowchart of the Compton depth
scattering visualizing, imaging, of information providing technique
4600 is described with respect to FIG. 46 and can include, but is
not limited to, operations 4602, 4604, and/or 4606. Certain
embodiments of operation 4602 can include, but is not limited to,
deriving at least one first visualization, image, or provided
information via Compton scattering substantially within an at least
some matter of an at least a portion of an individual at least
partially as a result of directing an at least one first applied
X-ray having an at least one first energy level towards the at
least some matter of the at least the portion of the individual.
For example, certain embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray
depth visualizer, imager, or information provider 100 as described
through this disclosure can be configured to visualize, image, or
provide information. Certain embodiments of operation 4604 can
include, but is not limited to, deriving at least one second
visualization, image, or provided information via Compton
scattering substantially within the at least some matter of the at
least the portion of the individual at least partially as a result
of directing an at least one second applied X-ray having an at
least one second energy level toward the at least some matter of
the at least the portion of the individual. For example, certain
embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray depth visualizer,
imager, or information provider 100 as described through this
disclosure can be configured to visualize, image, or provide
information.
[0489] Certain embodiments of operation 4606 can include, but is
not limited to, deriving at least one combined visualization,
combined image, or combined provided information at least partially
by combining the at least one first visualization, image, or
provided information with the at least one second visualization,
image, or provided information. For example, certain embodiments of
the Compton scattered X-ray depth visualizer, imager, or
information provider 100 as described through this disclosure can
be configured to visualize, image, or provide information at least
partially by computationally or otherwise combining the
visualizations, images, of information as provided. The order of
the operations, methods, mechanisms, etc. as described with respect
to FIG. 46 is intended to be illustrative in nature, and not
limited in scope.
[0490] In one or more various aspects, related systems include but
are not limited to circuitry and/or programming for effecting the
herein-referenced method aspects; the circuitry and/or programming
can be virtually any combination of hardware, software,
electromechanical system, and/or firmware configurable to effect
the herein-referenced method aspects depending upon the design
choices of the system designer.
5. Conclusion
[0491] This disclosure provides a number of embodiments of the
Compton scattered X-ray depth visualizer, imager, or information
provider 100. The embodiments of the Compton scattered X-ray depth
visualizer, imager, or information provider as described with
respect to this disclosure are intended to be illustrative in
nature, and are not limiting its scope.
[0492] Those having skill in the art will recognize that the state
of the art in computer, controller, communications, networking, and
other similar technologies has progressed to the point where there
is little distinction left between hardware, firmware, and/or
software implementations of aspects of systems, such as may be
utilized in the Compton scattered X-ray depth visualizer, imager,
or information provider. The use of hardware, firmware, and/or
software can therefore generally represent (but not always, in that
in certain contexts the choice between hardware and software can
become significant) a design choice representing cost vs.
efficiency tradeoffs. Those having skill in the art will appreciate
that there are various vehicles by which processes and/or systems
and/or other technologies described herein can be effected (e.g.,
hardware, software, and/or firmware), and that the preferred
vehicle can vary with the context in which the processes and/or
systems and/or other technologies are deployed. For example, if an
implementer determines that speed and accuracy are paramount, the
implementer and/or designer of the Compton scattered X-ray depth
visualizer, imager, or information provider may opt for mainly a
hardware and/or firmware vehicle. In alternate embodiments, if
flexibility is paramount, the implementer and/or designer may opt
for mainly a software implementation. In yet other embodiments, the
implementer and/or designer may opt for some combination of
hardware, software, and/or firmware. Hence, there are several
possible techniques by which the processes and/or devices and/or
other technologies described herein may be effected, none of which
is inherently superior to the other in that any vehicle to be
utilized is a choice dependent upon the context in which the
vehicle can be deployed and the specific concerns (e.g., speed,
flexibility, or predictability) of the implementer, any of which
may vary.
[0493] The foregoing detailed description has set forth various
embodiments of the devices and/or processes via the use of block
diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples. Insofar as such block
diagrams, flowcharts, and/or examples contain one or more functions
and/or operations, it will be understood by those within the art
that each function and/or operation within such block diagrams,
flowcharts, or examples can be implemented, target individual 82
and/or collectively, by a wide range of hardware, software,
firmware, or virtually any combination thereof. In Certain
embodiments, several portions of the subject matter described
herein may be implemented via Application Specific Integrated
Circuits (ASICs), Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), digital
signal processors (DSPs), or other integrated formats. However,
those skilled in the art will recognize that some aspects of the
embodiments disclosed herein, in whole or in part, can be
equivalently implemented in standard integrated circuits, as one or
more computer programs running on one or more computers (e.g., as
one or more programs running on one or more computer systems), as
one or more programs running on one or more processors (e.g., as
one or more programs running on one or more microprocessors), as
firmware, or as virtually any combination thereof, and that
designing the circuitry and/or writing the code for the software
and or firmware would be well within the skill of one of skill in
the art in light of this disclosure. In addition, those skilled in
the art will appreciate that the mechanisms of the subject matter
described herein are capable of being distributed as a program
product in a variety of forms, and that an illustrative embodiment
of the subject matter described herein applies equally regardless
of the particular type of signal bearing media used to actually
carry out the distribution. Examples of a signal bearing media
include, but are not limited to, the following: recordable type
media such as floppy disks, hard disk drives, CD ROMs, digital
tape, and computer memory; and transmission type media such as
digital and analog communication links using TDM or IP based
communication links (e.g., packet links).
[0494] All of the above U.S. patents, U.S. patent application
publications, U.S. patent applications, foreign patents, foreign
patent applications and non-patent publications referred to in this
specification and/or listed in any Application Data Sheet, are
incorporated herein by reference, in their entireties.
[0495] It is to be understood by those skilled in the art that, in
general, that the terms used in the disclosure, including the
drawings and the appended claims (and especially as used in the
bodies of the appended claims), are generally intended as "open"
terms. For example, the term "including" should be interpreted as
"including but not limited to"; the term "having" should be
interpreted as "having at least"; and the term "includes" should be
interpreted as "includes, but is not limited to"; etc. In this
disclosure and the appended claims, the terms "a", "the", and "at
least one" positioned prior to one or more goods, items, and/or
services are intended to apply inclusively to either one or a
plurality of those goods, items, and/or services.
[0496] Furthermore, in those instances where a convention analogous
to "at least one of A, B, and C, etc." is used, in general such a
construction is intended in the sense one having skill in the art
would understand the convention (e.g., "a system having at least
one of A, B, and C" would include but not be limited to systems
that could have A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and
C together, B and C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).
In those instances where a convention analogous to "at least one of
A, B, or C, etc." is used, in general such a construction is
intended in the sense one having skill in the art would understand
the convention (e.g., "a system having at least one of A, B, or C"
would include but not be limited to systems that could have A
alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and
C together, and/or A, B, and C together, etc.).
[0497] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
herein-described specific exemplary processes and/or devices and/or
technologies are representative of more general processes and/or
devices and/or technologies taught elsewhere herein, such as in the
claims filed herewith and/or elsewhere in the present
application.
[0498] While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed
herein, other aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those
skilled in the art. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed
herein are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be
limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the
following claims.
* * * * *
References