A system and method is provided for estimating the local noise of CT images and denoising the images using a modified non-local means (NLM) algorithm that is adaptive to local variations of noise levels. A strategy for efficiently estimating the local noise of CT images is also described.

A mirror for the EUV wavelength range (1) having a layer arrangement (P) applied on a substrate (S), the layer arrangement having a periodic sequence of individual layers, where the periodic sequence has at least two individual layers—forming a period—composed respectively of silicon (Si) and ruthenium (Ru). Also disclosed are a projection objective for microlithography (2) including such a mirror, and a projection exposure apparatus for microlithography having such a projection objective (2).

An X-ray arrangement is suitable to record absorption, phase contrast, and dark field images of an object. The visibility of low absorbing specimens is improved and required radiation dose is reduced. The assembly includes an X-ray source; two or more gratings; a position-sensitive detector with spatially modulated detection sensitivity; a recorder for recording the images; an evaluator for evaluating the intensities for each pixel to identify the characteristic of the object for each individual pixel as an absorption and/or a differential phase contrast and/or an x-ray scattering dominated pixel. Images are collected by rotating from 0 to n or 2n either the sample or the assembly. The gratings are produced with planar geometry. The X-rays pass through the gratings parallel to the substrate. The grating structures extend along the X-ray path which determines the phase shift. The attenuation of the X-rays caused by the grating structures is no longer given by the thickness, but by the length of the grating structures.

A press plate that includes: a plate shaped press portion that is capable of resilient deformation; a first slit that is provided to a first wall portion of a support body with length direction along a first edge portion of the press portion, and that penetrates the first wall portion; second slits that are provided to a second wall portions of the support body with length direction along second edge portions of the press portion, and that penetrate the second wall portions; and a first corner portion slit that is provided straddling a corner portion between the first wall portion and the second wall portion and penetrating the corner portion, that is connected to the first slit, and that is disposed at a separation to the second slit.

An X-ray photography apparatus including: a turning arm that supports an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector which are opposed to each other so that the head of a patient can be interposed therebetween, and a moving mechanism that includes a turning part and a moving part. The turning part turns the turning arm about a turning axis with respect to the head. The moving part moves the turning arm relative to the head in a direction perpendicular to the turning axis. The X-ray photography apparatus also includes: an image processor that generates an X-ray image, a photographic region designation part that designates part of a row of teeth along a dental arch as a pseudo intraoral radiography region, and an X-ray forming mechanism that changes the irradiation direction in which the head is irradiated with an X-ray relative to the axial direction of the body axis of the patient.

An X-ray photography apparatus including: a turning arm that supports an X-ray generator and an X-ray detector while the X-ray generator and the X-ray detector are opposed to each other so that a head of a patient can be interposed therebetween; and a moving mechanism that turns the turning arm about a turning axis with respect to the head and moves the turning arm in a direction perpendicular to the turning axis with respect to the head. The X-ray photography apparatus further includes: an image processor that generates an X-ray image based on an electric signal output from the X-ray detector; and a photographic region designation receiving part that designates part of a row of teeth along a dental arch as a pseudo intraoral radiography region. The image processor generates plural tomographic images by applying convolution and filtered back projection to X-ray image data obtained by pseudo intraoral radiography.

A medical image processing apparatus according to an embodiment includes: an imaging unit configured to image an affected area in two directions using X-rays; a fluoroscopic image generating unit configured to generate two X-ray fluoroscopic images corresponding to the two directions, on a basis of imaging signals outputted from the imaging unit; a rendering image generating unit configured to project the affected area contained in three-dimensional image data acquired in advance, in two directions according to a same X-ray geometry as that used for imaging the X-ray fluoroscopic images, to thereby generate two affected area rendering images; and an image combining unit configured to combine the X-ray fluoroscopic images with the affected area rendering images for each corresponding direction, to thereby generate combined parallax images in two parallax directions corresponding to the two directions, and to output the two generated combined parallax images to a 3D display apparatus.

A Compton radiation detection device for determining of Compton radiation of iron, includes a sensor and a filter arrangement. The filter arrangement is adapted such that the radiation emitted by a test object due to Compton scattering passes a nickel layer and an iron layer before being detected by the sensor. A dispersive ionization chamber includes an ionization chamber having a plurality off ionization volumes and a window. Each ionization volume includes an electrode. Radiation can enter through the window. The ionization volumes are arranged in a beam propagation direction behind each other. Radiation having lower energy is statistically absorbed in ionization volumes located more proximal to the window. Radiation having higher energy is statistically absorbed in the ionization volumes located more distal from the window.

A variable mode X-ray transmission system is provided that can be operated in low or high dose rate modes depending upon the area or portion of the vehicle to be screened. In one embodiment, variable dose rate is achieved by use of a novel collimator. The systems disclosed in this application enable the scanning of a vehicle cab portion (occupied by people, such as a driver) at low dose rate, which is safe for human beings, while allowing the scanning of the cargo portion (unoccupied by people) at a high dose rate. Rapid switching from low dose rate to high dose rate operating mode is provided, while striking a balance between high material penetration for cargo portion and low intensity exposure that is safe for occupants in the cab portion of the inspected vehicle.

A method for recording a four-dimensional angiography data record using an x-ray facility with a C-arm is proposed. Projection images are recorded from different projection directions at different time points of the cardiac cycle. A number of three-dimensional reconstruction image data records assigned respectively to a time segment of the cardiac cycle are reconstructed from the projection images and combined to form the four-dimensional angiography data record by temporal assignment in respect of the cardiac cycle. At least one recording parameter describing the temporal sequence is selected when recording the projection images as a function of cardiac stimulation performed to ensure a stable heart rate during recording so that the recording of the projection images takes place in such a manner that it is synchronized with the cardiac cycle.

A method and apparatus for inspecting an object. A radiation generation system is configured to emit radiation. A detector system is configured to detect backscatter formed in response to the radiation encountering the object. A redirection system is positioned relative to the detector system and is configured to redirect the backscatter to the detector system.

Dual-energy backscatter x-ray shoe scanning including: pre-processing input image information received from a shoe scanning device and image calibration data received from a database to output an atomic number image; detecting at least one suspect region based off the atomic number image; identifying the at least one detected suspect region as an object class using a changeable list of attributes; and classifying the object class according to a changeable list of categories.

A computer-implemented method for gain calibration is provided. The method includes sorting the calibration data of each pixel location from the offset-corrected X-ray image data into a sequence. The method also includes removing part of the calibration data from one end or both ends of the respective sequence for each pixel location. The method further includes averaging the calibration data remaining within each respective sequence to obtain an average pixel value for each pixel location. The method yet further includes generating a gain map based on the average pixel value for each pixel location.

A power converter is configured to include an inverter which converts a DC output into an AC voltage of a predetermined frequency, and a high voltage generator which receives an output from output terminals of the inverter and boosts the output to a desired high DC voltage. The high voltage generator includes a transformer, and the primary windings of the transformer are connected to the output terminals of the inverter in parallel by conductive wires connected to both ends of each primary winding. Further, a current sensor is provided to detect a current flowing through each of the primary windings, and a control unit determines abnormalities of a path of the inverter and the primary windings on the basis of a value of the current sensor.

In a high-voltage apparatus according to this invention, a predetermined voltage is applied to a rotating anode after waiting until the number of rotations increases to such an extent that the rotating anode is not damaged. That is, X-rays of desired intensity are already outputted from a point of time when the voltage is applied to the rotating anode. Therefore, diagnosis can be performed immediately after the voltage is applied to the rotating anode. That is, unlike the prior art, there is no need to wait until X-ray intensity becomes suitable for diagnosis after X-ray emission is started, and there is no need to irradiate the patient with unnecessary X-rays. Therefore, the patient can be inhibited from being irradiated with excessive X-rays (with an improvement made in a response from when the operator gives instructions for starting fluoroscopy until emission of X-rays suitable for diagnosis).

The present invention provides a transmission type X-ray tube and a reflection type X-ray tube. The transmission type X-ray tube comprises a target and a filter material. The target has at least one element which produces X-rays as being excited. The X-rays comprise characteristic Kα and Kβ emission energies of the element for producing images of an object impinged by the X-rays. The filter material through which the X-rays pass has a k-edge absorption energy that is higher than the Kα emission energies and is lower than the Kβ emission energies. The thickness of the filter material is at least 10 microns and less than 3 millimeters.

One embodiment of the present disclosure is directed to a mobile X-ray unit. The mobile X-ray unit may include a base and an arm associated with the base. The arm may be configured to support an X-ray applicator having an X-ray tube. The X-ray tube may be configured to generate an X-ray beam. The X-ray applicator may include an exit surface through which the X-ray beam passes in use. The X-ray unit may further include an applicator cap for covering at least the exit surface of the X-ray applicator.

In a construction having a radiation tube in an envelope filled with an insulating liquid, a radiation generating apparatus which realizes a miniaturization of the apparatus, an improvement of a withstanding voltage between the envelope and the radiation tube, and a decrease in attenuation amount of the radiation and a radiation imaging apparatus using the radiation generating apparatus are provided. The radiation generating apparatus has an envelope 12 having a first window 27 for transmitting the radiation, a radiation tube 14 enclosed in the envelope 12 and having a second window 19 for transmitting the radiation at a position in opposition to the first window 27, and an insulating liquid 13 filled between the envelope 12 and the radiation tube 14. A solid-state insulating member 28 is placed between the first window 27 and its periphery and the second window 19 and its periphery.

An adjusting method of an X-ray apparatus has a reflection structure, wherein assuming that one end plane of the reflection structure is an inlet port of the X-ray and the other end plane is an outlet port of the X-ray, a pitch of the reflection substrates at the outlet port is wider than that at the inlet port. When the X-ray source exists at a position where a glancing angle at the time when the X-ray enters the inlet port exceeds a critical angle, an intensity of the X-ray emitted from each passage is detected. On the basis of the detected X-ray intensity, a relative position of the X-ray source and the reflection structure is adjusted.

A method for obtaining multi-material decomposition images of an object is presented. The method includes acquiring an image pair from a dual energy computed tomography scan of the imaged object. The method then includes selecting a material basis for multi-material decomposition of the image pair. The method further includes applying a physicochemical model for the material basis. Also, the method includes performing multi-material decomposition using at least one constraint imposed by the physicochemical model.

A noninvasive, quantitative imaging technique is presented for detecting and diagnosing liver disease, such as cirrhosis. The technique includes: capturing scan data from a subject using computed tomography or another type of imaging method and extracting image data representing the liver from the scan data. Various measures of the liver may be obtained from image data and then used to compute random variables of a statistical model, where the model is predictive of a medical condition of the liver and comprised of random variables that are indicative of at least one of a shape or texture of the liver. Output from the statistical model provides an indication of an undesirable condition of the liver.

A method of projection domain processing based on a local transform and shrinkage for use in reconstructing digital images from a set of projections, the method including providing a target image of a target object, providing projection data of the target object, producing filtered projection data by applying a sparsifying transform and a shrinkage function to the projection data, followed by an inverse of the sparsifying transform, producing a restored image by applying a reconstruction transform to the filtered projection data, comparing the restored image to the target image, and producing an optimized projection domain shrinkage function by adapting the shrinkage function to minimize differences between the restored image and the target image. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

A method is provided. The method includes acquiring a first dataset at a first energy spectrum and a second dataset at a second energy spectrum. The method also includes extracting a metal artifact correction signal using the first dataset and the second dataset or using a first reconstructed image and a second reconstructed image generated respectively from the first and the second datasets. The method further includes performing metal artifact correction on the first reconstructed image using the metal artifact correction signal to generate a first corrected image.

An imaging apparatus having a ring-shaped gantry is provided. The gantry has a rotor arrangement rotating therein and a radiation source as well as at least one radiation detector. The gantry has at least one gantry segment which can be detached from the ring shape to allow the gantry to be opened laterally. The gantry is arranged on a supporting structure so as to be movable in space. The supporting structure is a ceiling-mounted stand having at least two degrees of freedom of movement. The gantry has at least two radiation sources disposed offset by an angle on the rotor arrangement and associated with each of which is at least one radiation detector.

A method for producing an X-ray projection image of a body region of a patient using a desired spatial location of a central ray, includes positioning a pointing element relative to the patient indicating a location of a pointing line and causing the location of the pointing line to coincide with the desired central ray location. A pointing line location and a central ray location currently set on an X-ray machine are recorded. A measure for deviation between the pointing line and the currently set central ray location is determined and used to set the desired central ray location. A medical apparatus includes an X-ray machine taking an X-ray projection image along a central ray, a pointing element indicating a pointing line, an acquisition unit detecting the pointing line location and the currently set central ray location, and a control and evaluation unit implementing software carrying out the method.

A method is disclosed for energy calibrating quantum-counting x-ray detectors in an x-ray installation including at least two x-ray systems turnable around a center of rotation. A target, for producing x-ray fluorescence radiation, is positioned between the first x-ray source and first x-ray detector and irradiated with x-radiation of the first x-ray source in such a way that x-ray fluorescence radiation which strikes the second x-ray detector from the target is produced by the x-radiation of the first x-ray source. The second x-ray detector is then energy calibrated by way of the x-ray fluorescence radiation of the target. The first x-ray detector can be energy calibrated in the same way with the aid of the x-radiation of the second x-ray source. With the proposed method, the x-ray detectors of a dual-source CT x-ray installation can be calibrated with little expenditure under conditions close to those of the system.

An image processing device of a computer tomography system includes an interface and a calibration data determiner. The interface is implemented to receive a first set of X-ray recordings of an object to be examined from first discrete recording angles and to receive a second set of X-ray recordings of the object to be examined from second discrete recording angles. The calibration data determiner is implemented to determine calibration data for the computer tomography system on the basis of the first set. The first set is further recorded during a first rotation run wherein the computer tomography system and the object to be examined rotate relative to each other, wherein the second set is recorded during at least a further rotation run after the first rotation run. On the basis of the calibration data and the first and second sets a computer tomography recording is reconstructable.

This specification is directed towards finding, locating, and confirming threat items and substances. The inspection system is designed to detect objects that are made from, but not limited to, special nuclear materials (“SNM”) and/or high atomic number materials. The system employs a dual energy CT scanning first stage inspection system and advanced image processing techniques to analyze images of an object under inspection (“OUI”), which includes, but is not limited to baggage, parcels, vehicles and cargo.

A system and a method for acquiring image data of a subject with an imaging system are provided. The system can include a gantry that completely annularly encompasses at least a portion of the subject, and a source positioned within the gantry. The source can be responsive to a signal to output at least one pulse. The system can include a multi-row detector positioned within the gantry. The multi-row detector can be in alignment with the source and sets multi-row detector data based on the detected at least one signal. The system can include a flat panel detector positioned within the gantry. The flat panel detector can in alignment with the source and sets flat panel detector data based on the detected at least one signal. The system can include an image acquisition control module that determines which of the multi-row detector and the flat panel detector to use.

Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques are described for dynamically adjusting, in a fan-angle direction, attenuation of radiation during an examination of an object such that portions of the object that are not represented in resulting (tilted/targeted) images of the object are exposed to less radiation than portions of the object that are represented in resulting (tilted/targeted) images of the object. As a rotating gantry is rotated, blades of a pre-object collimator are dynamically repositioned to selectively attenuate emitted radiation. A collimator adjustment component may be configured to determine how to reposition the blades based at least in part upon at least one of a desired tilt of the resulting (tilted) image(s), a translational position of the object, and a gantry rotation angle, for example.

A system comprises a structure having particles embedded at a level within the structure, and X-ray imaging apparatus for capturing images of the particles at the level.

To provide an X-ray imaging apparatus capable of easily adjusting the sensitivity or capable of easily extracting the amount of refraction of X-rays. An X-ray imaging apparatus irradiating an object to be measured with an X-ray beam from an X-ray source that generates X-rays of a first energy and X-rays of a second energy different from the first energy to measure an image of the object to be measured includes an attenuator and a detector. The attenuator attenuates the X-ray beam transmitted through the object to be measured and is configured so as to vary the amount of attenuation of the X-rays depending on a position on which the X-ray beam is incident. The detector detects the X-ray beam transmitted through the attenuator and is configured so as to detect the X-rays of the first energy and the second energy.

A method for asynchronous operation of a rotary anode of an x-ray emitter, where a torque is exerted onto the rotary anode by an electromagnetic alternating field of a stator with a first frequency is provided. The method includes increasing the first frequency to a second frequency. The second frequency is a whole number multiple of an x-ray trigger frequency. The method also includes simultaneously changing an output of the alternating field such that a rotational frequency of the rotary anode remains unchanged.

A compensation circuit 76 of an AEC unit 67 of an electronic cassette 13 defines the detection signal of a detection pixel 65 of the electronic cassette 13 as a detection signal corresponding to the detection signal of an old AEC sensor 25. The compensation circuit 76 performs compensation so as to exclude the influence on the detection signal due to a difference in the configuration of an intermediate member disposed between an X-ray source 10 and an FPD 35 of the electronic cassette 13 when the detection pixel 65 is used as an AEC sensor instead of the old AEC sensor 25. The detection signal is transmitted from a detection signal I/F 80 to a detection signal I/F 26 of a source control device 11 as it is (instantaneous value) or as an accumulated value obtained using an integration circuit 77.

The present disclosure relates to an electric field emission x-ray tube apparatus equipped with a built-in getter, and more particularly, to an electric field emission x-ray tube apparatus equipped with a built-in getter that makes it possible to reduce the size of an x-ray tube by forming a stacked structure, with electric insulation and predetermined gaps maintained for each electrode, by manufacturing an x-ray tube having a stacked structure by inserting insulating spacers (for example, ceramic) between an exhausting port, a cathode, a gate, a focusing electrode, and an anode and bonding them with an adhesive substance, and then inserting a spacer between a field emitter on a cathode substrate and a gate hole connected with a gate electrode.

Method for limiting an X-ray beam, wherein the X-ray beam is limited by a limiting unit comprising a couple of blades approaching each other or moving away from each other to adjust the width of a space between the blades the two blades being driven by an actuator (12) linked to both blades. The position of a symmetry axis (S) of the space between the blades is set in a shifting step by changing the distance between the blades and by impeding the motion of one blade in comparison with the motion of the other blade resulting in an asymmetric motion of the blades with respect to an initial position of the symmetry axis (S). The desired width (W) of the space between the blades is set in an adjustment step by an unimpeded symmetric motion of the blades with respect to the position of the symmetry axis (S) set in the shifting step.

Provided is a medical image processing device capable of determining a state of an obtained brain image and adjusting the obtained image to suit for performing tissue separation processing. The medical image processing device is configured to select a slice image to be processed as a target slice image from a brain image configured by a plurality of slice images, performs processing for measuring an effective maximum value in the cerebral parenchyma, an effective maximum value in a whole image, and a peak average value around the skull with respect to the selected target slice to determine necessity of high-signal-value-control processing based on the measured effective maximum value in the cerebral parenchyma, the effective maximum value in a whole image, and the peak average value around the skull so that when it is determined that the high-signal-value-control processing is necessary, the high-signal-value-control processing is performed to the brain image.

The invention relates to an X-ray device comprising an x-ray sensitive camera for creating tomograms, especially panoramic tomograms. Means for creating 3D shots of a partial volume of the mandibular arch are also provided, said 3D shots being created especially by a second image receiver for creating a 2D shot and means for taking a plurality of 2D shots from different directions and creating a 3D shot therefrom, preferably according to conebeam technology with the associated reconstruction algorithms. The x-ray sensitive camera comprises a first x-ray sensitive image receiver for creating a tomogram, and a second x-ray sensitive image receiver for creating plane shots.

A method of treating an object with radiation that includes generating volumetric image data of an area of interest of an object and emitting a therapeutic radiation beam towards the area of interest of the object in accordance with a reference plan. The method further includes evaluating the volumetric image data and at least one parameter of the therapeutic radiation beam to provide a real-time, on-line or off-line evaluation and on-line or off-line modification of the reference plan.

A human surrogate neck model includes a spinal neck region containing cervical vertebrae. A biosimulant intervertebral material is inserted between the cervical vertebrae. The spinal neck region is surrounded by a first silicone material mixed with a polymeric cross-linking inhibitor. One or more elastic tension bands are anchored to a top interface and a bottom interface of the neck model. A second silicone material mixed with a polymeric cross-linking inhibitor is applied to surround the spinal neck region and the first silicone material and to embed the tension bands. One or more of the elastic tension bands and/or a concentration ratio of the first silicone material or second silicone material to the polymeric cross-linking inhibitor can be adjusted for variable test conditions to closely simulate or mimic the static and dynamic characteristics of a human neck in various scenarios.

A tridimensional modeling apparatus, system and kit is for representing an exploration network. The apparatus, system and kit include a transparent hollow cube with six plane surfaces for representing an enclosed volume, a plurality of perforations on at least two of the six plane surfaces and indicia around each opening for marking polar coordinates and orientation. The apparatus, system and kit further include a plurality of transparent rods for representing exploration channels. The plurality of perforations on the cube are arranged for receiving rods for tridimensional modeling of the exploration network and each rod is inserted into an opening with an angle and a depth, thereby resulting in a visual representation of the exploration network within the represented volume.

A surfactant film viewing apparatus having a chassis, film wand, and film wand positioning means. The chassis is opaque and has a magnifying lens and a light aperture to allow ambient light into the interior of the chassis. The chassis, with the exception of the light aperture and the magnifying lens, forms an substantially closed surface. The film wand has a hoop suitable for supporting a surfactant film across its span. The apparatus includes a means for positioning of said hoop in said interior of said chassis such that the position of said hoop relative to the magnifying lens is stable but manually adjustable so the surfactant film can be positioned for viewing by said magnifying lens. The apparatus may include a reservoir for the surfactant/water mixture, and the means for positioning may also include a means for dipping the hoop in the surfactant/water mixture. In an alternate embodiment the wand has multiple hoops each of which is capable of supporting a surfactant film, rotation of the wand bringing the surfactant films sequentially into view.

A user interface system including a sheet that defines a surface and at least partially defines a first level fluid vessel arranged at a first level within the sheet and a second level fluid vessel arranged at a second level within the sheet, wherein both the first and second level fluid vessels are arranged underneath the surface; a first volume of fluid contained within the first level fluid vessel; a second volume of fluid contained within the second level fluid vessel; and a displacement device coupled to the first and second level fluid vessels that selectively manipulates the first and second volumes of fluid, thereby deforming a particular region of the surface to a first and second stage, respectively or deforming a first particular region and a second particular region of the surface, respectively.

A cognitive disorder diagnostic system that employs cognitive cubes, gameplay associate with the cognitive cubes, and a data gathering as statistical analysis base device that may be a computer, that communicates the gathered data to a web server host according to a unique ID associated with particular cognitive cubes and further associated with a particular player. Using the statistical data gathered using the gameplay, various cognitive disorders may be successfully diagnosed and treated with higher reliability.

A learning toy that includes a frame and a plurality of blocks. Each block includes a different color on each face with a first face having a first color and a second face having a second color. Additionally, four different colors are separately assigned to each of the remaining faces and the color assignments vary between at least two blocks of the plurality of blocks. The plurality of blocks allow for consistency and variability. Consistency comes from the colors assigned to two faces staying the same between blocks and the variability comes from the colors assigned to remaining four faces varying between some blocks.

Self controlled method and system for identified, treatment and weaning from computer and Internet addiction. On one embodiment of the invention, the system analyzed user activity on the computer and while surfing the Internet, and presents results of his addictive level visually on user's interface. Supporting the whole information of addictive level to the user, give him the power to fight against the phenomena and prevent to increase it. The user can decide whether he wants treatment and act to have it by personal actions or by involvement of third parties such as parents, therapist, support group or even a specific social website. For weaning from the addiction the system can provide positive feedbacks, special treatment and even presents and prizes if the user reduced dramatically his addictive level.

An anatomical model assembly of the human head for use in teaching medical personnel. The anatomical model has an inner base that is shaped as part of the human skull. A first layer of material covers the base. The first layer of material provides a visual indication of at least some muscle groups contained within a human head. A second layer of material is provided that covers the first layer. The second layer of material has an exterior that is shaped with at least some human facial features. The second layer of material and the first layer of material are separate, unattached layers. The material selected for the first layer mimics the suppleness of muscle. The material selected for the top second layer mimics the feel and elasticity of skin. The result is an anatomical model that can be used to accurately teach, plan and practice medical procedures.

The activity monitor (100) includes a basic information acquisition unit (20) that accepts input of basic physical information (BA) of the user's body, a target information acquisition unit (30) that accepts input of the user's target physical expenditure (CS), an activity pattern acquisition unit (40) that acquires pattern information indicating the user's intent on the activity amount (AM), and a target activity calculation unit (50) that determines a target activity amount (TA) on the basis of the basic physical information (BA), the target physical expenditure (CS), and the pattern information acquired by the activity pattern acquisition unit (40).

A method to develop a system for management of warnings and electronic procedures for an aircraft, comprising a database of parameters relating to the warnings and to logic and procedures, the aircraft comprising ATA equipment, comprises definition and calculation of maturity criteria for development of the system, which comprises, in order: A) verification of warnings in the database with respect to predefined lists of warnings and calculation of a maturity criterion, B) if the criterion of A>predetermined threshold, verification of the coherence of the logic for the warnings then definition and calculation of a maturity criterion, C) if the criterion of B>predetermined threshold, verification of the existence of the procedures and, for each warning, analysis of its logic with respect to its procedure, then definition and calculation of a maturity criterion, the system being fully set up when the latter criterion>predetermined threshold.

A method for selectively applying a reflectance modifying agent (RMA) to an area of skin, the method comprising receiving an image of the area of skin, identifying, using the image, a nominated point within the area of skin, determining an actual reflectance of the nominated point, applying an edge protection technique based on the image to generate one or more outputs, determining a desired reflectance of the nominated point based on the one or more outputs, calculating an amount of RMA to be applied based on the output, and determining whether to apply the RMA to the area of skin based on the amount of RMA.