Abstract: Systems and method for reconstruction of x-ray images are provided. One method includes acquiring a plurality of image views using an x-ray imaging system, the plurality of image views defining a limited tomographic dataset. The method also includes performing three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction using the plurality of image views in an iterative reconstruction, wherein the iterative reconstruction includes forming a linear combination based on a plurality of previous iteration results. The method further includes displaying an image based on the image reconstruction, wherein the image includes clinically relevant high-frequency detail information.

Abstract: Systems and method for reconstruction of x-ray images are provided. One method includes acquiring a plurality of image views using an x-ray imaging system, the plurality of image views defining a limited tomographic dataset. The method also includes performing three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction using the plurality of image views in an iterative reconstruction, wherein the iterative reconstruction includes forming a linear combination based on a plurality of previous iteration results. The method further includes displaying an image based on the image reconstruction, wherein the image includes clinically relevant high-frequency detail information.

Abstract: A flexible, lightweight, easily maneuverable positioner for an imaging system. The positioning system in one example has a cart section with a base frame coupled to one or more wheels. There is a mast extending from the cart section and a linkage assembly coupled to a second end of the mast, wherein the mast is configured to swing about a vertical plane. There is a positioning arm coupled to the linkage assembly, wherein the positioning arm is configured to swing about at least one of a horizontal plane and the vertical plane. An imaging bracket is used to couple to the positioning arm and configured to receive an imaging unit.

Abstract: A method of imaging an object includes providing a stationary x-ray tube, that is configured to emit a cone beam of x-rays, wherein a line extending from the x-ray tube and through the object defines a tomographic angle and a beamline, further wherein the x-ray tube is configured to emits x-rays from several tomographic angles; providing a system controller configured to operate the x-ray tube; locating at least one flat-panel area detector opposite the x-ray tube, thereby defining a field of view, wherein flat-panel area detector(s) is configured to receive the emitted x-rays from the different tomographic angles, further wherein the detector(s) comprise an array of L×W detector elements; conveying the object along the path of travel; and selectively emitting x-rays from the x-ray tube in the tomographic angles through the object, wherein each beamline emitted from the x-ray tube impinges on a different portion of the flat-panel area detector.

Abstract: Dual modality detection devices and methods are provided for detecting nuclear material, the devices include a neutron detector including multiple neutron detection modules; and a gamma detector including multiple gamma detection modules, where the multiple neutron detection modules and the multiple gamma detection modules are integrated together in a single unit to detect simultaneously both gamma rays and neutrons.

Abstract: A multi-view imaging system and method is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and system for presenting images of an object of interest is provided. The method includes producing one or more cine loops of images from at least one of multiple projection views or multiple reconstructed 3D images including a 3D volume obtained from one or more beamlines. The method also includes generating at least one combined image including a first component and a second component wherein the first component and the second component each include one of a baseline image or the one or more cine loops of images. The combined image is generated via at least one of superimposing the first component and the second component, displaying the first component adjacent to the second component, and toggling between the first component and the second component. The method also includes displaying the at least one combined image.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of tomographic image construction includes performing sparsification on initial projection data for an object with a processor to provide sparsified projection data of the object. The method also includes backprojecting the sparsified projection data with the processor to provide a three-dimensional image of the object, and performing sparsification on the three-dimensional image with the processor to provide a sparsified image.

Abstract: A method for imaging a breast is provided. The method includes positioning a breast within a breast holder including a flexible membrane and creating at least a partial vacuum within the flexible membrane. A method of upgrading a mammography system and various configurations of breast holders are also provided.

Abstract: A tomosynthesis system for forming a three dimensional image of an object is provided. The system includes an X-ray source adapted to irradiate the object with a beam of X-rays from a plurality of positions in a sector, an X-ray detector positioned relative to the X-ray source to detect X-rays transmitted through the object and a processor which is adapted to generate a three dimensional image of the object based on X-rays detected by the detector. The detector is adapted to move relative to the object and/or the X-ray source is adapted to irradiate the object with the beam of X-rays such that the beam of X-rays follows in a non arc shaped path and/or a center of the beam of X-rays impinges substantially on the same location on the detector from different X-ray source positions in the sector.

Abstract: A technique is provided for comparative image analysis and/or change detection using computer assisted detection and/or diagnosis (CAD) algorithms. The technique includes registering two or more images, comparing the images with one another to generate a change map, and detecting anomalies in the images based on the change map.

Abstract: A tomosynthesis system for forming a three dimensional image of an object is provided. The system includes an X-ray source adapted to irradiate the object with a beam of X-rays from a plurality of positions in a sector, an X-ray detector positioned relative to the X-ray source to detect X-rays transmitted through the object and a processor which is adapted to generate a three dimensional image of the object based on X-rays detected by the detector. The detector is adapted to move relative to the object and/or the X-ray source is adapted to irradiate the object with the beam of X-rays such that the beam of X-rays follows in a non arc shaped path and/or a center of the beam of X-rays impinges substantially on the same location on the detector from different X-ray source positions in the sector.

Abstract: A tomosynthesis system for forming a three dimensional image of an object is provided. The system includes an X-ray source adapted to irradiate the object with a beam of X-rays from a plurality of positions in a sector, an X-ray detector positioned relative to the X-ray source to detect X-rays transmitted through the object and a processor which is adapted to generate a three dimensional image of the object based on X-rays detected by the detector. The detector is adapted to move relative to the object and/or the X-ray source is adapted to irradiate the object with the beam of X-rays such that the beam of X-rays follows in a non arc shaped path and/or a center of the beam of X-rays impinges substantially on the same location on the detector from different X-ray source positions in the sector.

Abstract: Briefly in accordance with one embodiment, the present technique provides a multi-energy tomosynthesis imaging system. The system includes an X-ray source configured to emit X-rays from multiple locations within a limited angular range relative to an imaging volume. The imaging system also includes a digital detector with an array of detector elements to generate images in response to the emitted X-rays. The imaging system further includes a detector acquisition circuitry to acquire the images from the digital detector. The imaging system may also include a processing circuitry configured to decompose plurality of images based on energy characteristics and to reconstruct the plurality of images to generate a three-dimensional multi-energy tomosynthesis image.

Abstract: Dual modality detection devices and methods are provided for detecting nuclear material, the devices include a neutron detector including multiple neutron detection modules; and a gamma detector including multiple gamma detection modules, where the multiple neutron detection modules and the multiple gamma detection modules are integrated together in a single unit to detect simultaneously both gamma rays and neutrons.

Abstract: Briefly in accordance with one embodiment, the present technique provides a multi-energy tomosynthesis imaging system. The system includes an X-ray source configured to emit X-rays from multiple locations within a limited angular range relative to an imaging volume. The imaging system also includes a digital detector with an array of detector elements to generate images in response to the emitted X-rays. The imaging system further includes a detector acquisition circuitry to acquire the images from the digital detector. The imaging system may also include a processing circuitry configured to decompose plurality of images based on energy characteristics and to reconstruct the plurality of images to generate a three-dimensional multi-energy tomosynthesis image.

Abstract: A method of analyzing a container for presence of special nuclear materials (SNM) is disclosed. The method includes obtaining information regarding at least one of the container and contents therein, automatically selecting an operational parameter in response to the information; and, performing a screening of the container according to the selected operational parameter. The screening includes irradiating the container with an energetic beam comprising at least one of fast neutrons and high-energy photons; detecting energy emitted in response to the irradiating; and analyzing the detected energy for a presence of SNM.

Abstract: Briefly in accordance with one embodiment, the present technique provides a multi-energy tomosynthesis imaging system. The system includes an X-ray source configured to emit X-rays from multiple locations within a limited angular range relative to an imaging volume. The imaging system also includes a digital detector with an array of detector elements to generate images in response to the emitted X-rays. The imaging system further includes a detector acquisition circuitry to acquire the images from the digital detector. The imaging system may also include a processing circuitry configured to decompose plurality of images based on energy characteristics and to reconstruct the plurality of images to generate a three-dimensional multi-energy tomosynthesis image.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a compression paddle comprising a paddle base 12; and a paddle wall 20 comprising a first side-wall 22; and a second side-wall 24; wherein the first side-wall 22 and/or the second side-wall 24 are disposed upon the paddle base 12 and inclined with respect to the paddle base 12 at an angle that is effective to permit an x-ray beam uninterrupted access to an object of interest located on an opposing side of the paddle base 12 from an x-ray source when an angle between a central axis of the x-ray beam and a vertical taken at an inner surface of the first side-wall 22 and/or the inner surface of the second side-wall 24 is about 15 degrees to about 75 degrees.

Abstract: A technique is provided for visualizing a volume of interest, such as may be acquired by a tomosynthesis imaging system. The technique provides for the use of one or more weighting functions, such as depth-dependent weighting functions, in the determination of pixel values in a volume rendering. The weighting functions may modify, for example, an intensity determination for a pixel, either directly or by modifying other contributing functions, such as for determining occlusion effects. The volume rendering may then be displayed for review by a technologist or clinician.