Abstract: A method and system provides medical image processing and 3-dimensional image construction of an examination subject. A user is enabled to selectively orient an x-ray imaging system having a variable 3-dimensional acquisition axis relative to an examination subject support for holding an examination subject. A non-planar image data acquisition path is set for the x-ray imaging system oriented around the variable 3-dimensional acquisition axis in response to user instruction. Acquisition of image data of the examination subject is initiated by the x-ray imaging system at a plurality of points along the non-planar image data acquisition path. A 3-dimensional image is constructed from the acquired image data such that any metal artifacts introduced by radio-opaque objects within the examination subject are minimized. The 3-dimensional image is displayed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for multiplexing computed tomography are disclosed. According to one aspect, the subject matter described herein can include illuminating an object with a plurality of x-ray beams from a plurality of viewing angles, wherein each x-ray beam has a distinct waveform; detecting the x-ray intensities of the plurality of pulsed x-ray beams as a function of time, and extracting individual projection image data from the detected x-ray intensities based on the distinct waveforms of the x-ray beams for combining the projection image data to generate three-dimensional tomographic image data of the object.

Abstract: A general imaging scheme is proposed for applications of CBCT. The approach provides a superior CBCT image quality by effective scatter correction and noise reduction. Specifically, in its implementation of CBCT imaging for radiation therapy, the proposed approach achieves an accurate patient setup using a partially blocked CBCT with a significantly reduced radiation dose. The image quality improvement due to the proposed scatter correction and noise reduction also makes CBCT-based dose calculation a viable solution to adaptive treatment planning.

Abstract: Systems, methods and apparatus are provided through which in some embodiments a time series is generated from a plurality of X-ray projections of an object that were acquired under limited angular conditions with a flat-panel X-ray detector, and thereafter the plurality of X-ray projections in the time series are displayed in reference to a pivot point.

Abstract: Since the soft tissue levels in an image usually comprise a variety of values between air and bone boundaries, it may not be obvious a priori what threshold value applies. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, an examination apparatus is provided which is adapted for determining the optimal weight for subtraction of a soft tissue correction image without performing a multitude of forward and backward projections. This may be provided determining a roughness function based on a plurality of subtractions of the soft tissue streak image, each subtraction corresponding to a different weighting of the streak image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting, tracking and registering a device within a tubular organ of a subject. The devices include guide wire tip or therapeutic devices, and the detection and tracking uses fluoroscopic images taken prior to or during a catheterization operation. The devices are fused with images or projections of models depicting the tubular organs.

Abstract: Methods for post-processing raw detector signals of an x-ray or gamma detector are disclosed. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, raw detector signals are filtered, an associated filtered signal is determined at least for a subset of the raw detector signals, and those filtered signals whose signal value is less than zero are then respectively replaced by a signal value greater than zero.

Abstract: A method of computed-tomography and a computed-tomography apparatus where a interpolation kernel width is adaptively determined as a function of the distance from the x-ray source to the reconstruction pixel. The width of the kernel is the projection of the reconstruction pixel on the detector. The method can be implemented in the channel direction. The method can also be implemented in the segment direction, or in the channel and segment directions at the same time. Backprojection is performed using the adaptive kernel width and may by used with helical and circular scanning, and with cone-beam or fan beam x-ray CT.

Abstract: The invention provides in one aspect methods and apparatus for use with C-arm and other CT systems, e.g., with non-rigid geometries. In such systems, by way of example, calibration can be performed to determine the exact position of the x-ray source and the exact orientation of the detector where each projection measurement is made. Next, a weighting coefficient can be determined for the voxels in each plane of a reconstruction volume at every possible projection. Finally, the order in which to process the voxels during image reconstruction can be determined. Following an actual CT scan procedure in which scans are obtained of a volume to be constructed, a system according to these and related aspects of the invention can use an optimal, pre-calculated processing method, while utilizing offsets and weighting coefficients determined during calibration, for performing backprojection image reconstruction.

Abstract: A reconstruction unit is provided for receiving a sequence of data sets, the data sets representing structural information of the object. The reconstruction unit performs receiving scheduling information related to the data sets of the sequence of data sets. Then reconstructing a sequence of coarse reconstructions of the object by using the sequence of data sets and the scheduling information. Afterwards a sequence of adapted models of the object is generated by adapting a respective model to each of the coarse reconstructions. Then a motion of a predetermined portion of each of the adapted models is determined and a specific data set of the sequence of data sets is selected, wherein the specific data set corresponds to the adapted model with the minimum motion of the predetermined portion. Finally the reconstruction unit performs reconstructing a fine reconstruction of at least the part of the object using the specific data set.

Abstract: A fast conjugate phase reconstruction method for MRI is based on a polynomial expansion of the off-resonance phase accrual term. The expansion is truncated and can be a Taylor or Chebyshev expansion.

Abstract: A control unit performs helical scanning an subject while moving a top along a direction substantially parallel to a body axis. An acquisition unit acquires projection data via an X-ray detector. A projection data extraction unit extracts a projection data set necessary for the reconstruction of image data associated with a predetermined slice position from the projection data. A weighting unit assigns a smaller weight to first projection data of the extracted projection data than a weight assigned to second projection data, the first projection data being acquired outside a predetermined period including a predetermined acquisition time of the projection data at the predetermined slice position, the second projection data being acquired within the predetermined period. A reconstruction processing unit reconstructs image data on the basis of the first projection data and the second projection data to which the weights are assigned.

Abstract: A method for detecting blood vessel bifurcations in digital medical images includes inflating a sphere from a first center point inside a segmented blood vessel until a surface of the sphere intersects a surface of the blood vessel, searching within the inflated sphere for a second center point that has a sphere intersecting a surface of the blood with a maximum radius, assigning all voxels of the maximal radius sphere to a root node of a shape-tree, increasing the radius of the maximal radius sphere and computing a voxel difference set with respect to the previous maximal radius sphere, computing one or more connected components Cm in the voxel difference set, assigning voxels of each connected components to a different child node of the shape tree, connecting each child node with the root node, and calculating features from the shape tree for training a classifier to detect blood vessel bifurcations.

Abstract: An imaging method for imaging a region of investigation of an object comprises the steps of generating an energy input beam with an energy beam source, irradiating the region of investigation with energy input beam components of the energy input beam along a plurality of projection directions, the energy input beam components being formed with a frame mask being arranged between the energy input beam and the object and including frame mask windows, measuring first integrated attenuation values of the energy input beam components with an outer detector device arranged outside the frame mask, measuring second integrated attenuation values of the energy input beam components with a frame mask detector device being arranged on an inner surface of the frame mask, and reconstructing an image of the region of investigation based on the first and second integrated attenuation values. Furthermore, an imaging device for imaging a region of investigation of an object is described.

Abstract: An x-ray inspection apparatus includes a sample image obtaining unit, an ideal curve generating unit, a curve adjustment unit, and a mass estimation unit as a function block generated by a control computer. The sample image obtaining unit obtains 10 x-ray transmission images of sample inspected products each of whose mass is known in advance. The ideal curve generating unit generates a table based on a formula that indicates a relationship between the brightness of an area included in the x-ray transmission images and the estimated mass of the area. The curve adjustment unit refers to the input actual mass of each x-ray transmission image and adjusts the table such that the estimated mass approximates the actual mass. The mass estimation unit determines the estimated mass per unit area based on the post-adjusted table and adds up these masses to determine the total estimated mass of the product.

Abstract: It is possible that at a predetermined position of the imaging components of a radiographic imaging system the object is not fully viewed. The object can be a calibration phantom, which means that it is not possible to directly determine an imaging rule with the aid of the calibration phantom at this position of the imaging components. According to the invention, an imaging of the calibration phantom at a different position takes place and an imaging rule for this position is determined. This is then converted, provided a movement parameter is known which describes the movement from the position with the record of the calibration phantom to a different position. The imaging rule obtained in this way can be further improved, e.g. with the aid of a recording of the calibration phantom from the position in question, including if the calibration phantom is not completely imaged.

Abstract: A method for analytically reconstructing a multi-axial computed tomography (CT) dataset, acquired using one or more longitudinally-offset x-ray beams emitted from multiple x-ray sources is provided. The method comprises acquiring one or more CT axial projection datasets, wherein the CT axial projection datasets are acquired using less than a full scan of data. The method further comprises reconstructing the CT axial projection datasets to generate a reconstructed image volume. The reconstruction comprises back projecting one or more voxels comprising the multi-axial CT dataset, along one or more projection views, based upon a cone-angle weight determined for the voxels, wherein the cone-angle weight for the voxels is determined along a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A detector drawer is provided in which an X-ray detector can be placed, and so as to be inserted from both sides of an examination table into a detector drawer receptacle that is open on both sides. The detector drawer has a stop actuator, which as a function of the insertion of an X-ray detector can be put into an actuation position that enables the actuation of a stop of the detector drawer receptacle and as a function of the removal of the X-ray detector into a position of repose that minimizes the actuation of the stop. A detector drawer receptacle is also provided, which is open on both sides and into which a detector drawer can be inserted from both sides of the receptacle. The receptacle has a stop which is actuatable by a stop actuator of the detector drawer as a function of an insertion of the detector drawer. The stop may include a sliding stop, which is actuatable by the stop actuator in a thrust position that is dependent on the direction of insertion of the detector drawer.

Abstract: An X-ray cassette or a radiographic grid and X-ray cassette is (are) mounted within a device for positioning the cassette or grid and cassette beneath a patient lying upon a bed or other support to enable an X-ray image of a portion of the patient to be taken. The device has a plastics envelope formed of a material that is both substantially radiotranslucent and impervious to water or other biological fluids. This envelope defines first and second envelope sections separated from each other by a common edge. The first envelope section is generally rectangular in configuration and defines an openable pouch in which the X-ray cassette or radiographic grid and X-ray cassette are received. The second envelope section has a stiffening member therein. The second envelope section has its greatest width along the common edge and narrows to a minimum width at its edge furthest from the common edge.

Abstract: A power supply for X-ray generators which includes at least one inverter (11, 12, 13), at least one transformer (111, 121, 131) and at least one voltage cascade (112, 122, 132) for generating a supply voltage for an X-ray tube (15). In order to increase the output power that can be achieved with a comparatively small weight and a low ripple or output capacitance, the voltage cascade is conceived in respect of its capacitances and the stray inductance of the transformers (111, 121, 131) in such a manner that it can be made to operate in the resonance mode by appropriate control of the inverter. In respect of the properties mentioned it is notably advantageous to integrate a two-phase embodiment or three-phase embodiment with an X-ray system so as to form a compact tank generator.