Abstract: An imaging system for scanning a volume of interest in an object, the system includes a radiation source configured to traverse in a plurality of focal spot positions yielding a plurality of focal spot trajectories. Each focal spot trajectory defines a two dimensional focal spot projection in an image acquisition plane. Each of the focal spot positions comprise at least two positions at unequal distances from the image acquisition plane.

Abstract: There is provided a method of analyzing a plurality of views of an object, the object including an edge portion partially extending from a surface of the object into an internal volume of the object, comprising the step of analyzing each acquired view. The step of analyzing each acquired view includes analysis of the edge portion. Preferably, the object comprises breast tissue.

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: Techniques are provided for generating three-dimensional images, such as may be used in mammography. In accordance with these techniques, projection images of an object of interest are acquired from different locations, such as by moving an X-ray source along an arbitrary imaging trajectory between emissions or by individually activating different X-ray sources located at different locations relative to the object of interest. The projection images may be reconstructed to generate a three-dimensional dataset representative of the object from which one or more volumes may be selected for visualization and display. Additional processing steps may occur throughout the image chain, such as for pre-processing the projection images or post-processing the three-dimensional dataset.

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 generating a three-dimensional image from fluoroscopic projection images. The technique allows for the acquisition of fluoroscopic images at different perspectives relative to a region of interest. One or more three-dimensional images may then be reconstructed from the fluoroscopic projection images. The three-dimensional images may then be displayed to provide anatomic context for the fluoroscopic application. A fluoroscopic projection image, such as the most current fluoroscopic image, may be superimposed on the three-dimensional image if desired.

Abstract: A technique is provided for improving the depth resolution of tomosynthesis images. The technique provides for the use of spiral scan trajectories. The X-ray source may moved along the spiral scan trajectory, acquiring projection data at various locations on the trajectory which are offset in the z-direction, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the detector. Projection data acquired at different positions in the z-direction may be used to generate three-dimensional, tomosynthesis images having improved depth resolution.

Abstract: A technique is provided for viewing a series of volumes that may be rendered using visualization techniques incorporating one or more weighting functions, such as depth-dependent weighting functions. In one aspect, the viewing technique may utilize such weighting functions to vary the volume of interest in a series of volume renderings. In addition, the viewing technique may provide for varying the viewing angle to minimize the effect of orientation specific artifacts in the displayed images.

Abstract: An imaging system for performing tomosynthesis on a region of an object comprises an x-ray source, motion controller, an x-ray detector and a processing unit. The x-ray source is positioned at a predetermined distance from the object and continuously moves along a linear path relative to the object. The x-ray source transmits x-ray radiation through the region of the object at a plurality of predetermined locations. The motion controller is coupled to the x-ray source and continuously moves the x-ray source along the path relative to the object. The x-ray source minimizes vibration in the imaging system due to continuous movement. The x-ray detector is positioned at a predetermined distance from the x-ray source and detects the x-ray radiation transmitted through the region of the object, thus acquiring x-ray image data representative of the region of the object.

Abstract: An imaging system for performing tomosynthesis on a region of an object comprises an x-ray source, motion controller, an x-ray detector and a processing unit. The x-ray source is positioned at a predetermined distance from the object and continuously moves along a path relative to the object at a plurality of predetermined locations. The x-ray source transmits x-ray radiation through the region of the object. The motion controller is coupled to the x-ray source and continuously moves the x-ray source along the path relative to the object. The x-ray source minimizes vibration in the imaging system due to continuous movement. The x-ray detector is positioned at a predetermined distance from the x-ray source and detects the x-ray radiation transmitted through the region of the object, thus acquiring x-ray image data representative of the region of the object. The processing unit is coupled to the x-ray detector for processing the x-ray image data into at least one tomosynthesis image of the region of the object.

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.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system comprising a scintillator, an imager array, and a lamination layer. Lamination layer bonds and optically couples scintillator to imager array. Lamination layer is comprised of a lamination material that is substantially free from void spaces. Radiation imaging system fabrication comprises the steps of disposing lamination layer between a light imager and a scintillator to form a subassembly. Light imager comprises imager array, an imaging plate surface and a plurality of contact pads. Additional steps include subjecting subassembly to a vacuum; heating subassembly to a bonding temperature, exerting a bonding force on subassembly, maintaining the vacuum, the bonding temperature and the bonding force until light imager is bonded to the scintillator and the lamination layer is comprised of lamination material that is substantially free from void spaces.

Abstract: A technique is provided for reducing contrast variability in images produced by tomosynthesis. In particular, contrast variability in images produced by a radiation source which has a linear or elongated scan path is reduced. The technique filters the radiographic projections or the reconstructed image slices in a direction transverse to the scan-direction of the radiation source to reduce contrast variations related to the orientation of the structure and the scan geometry.

Abstract: A method for acquiring a plurality of images of an object of interest using a tomosynthesis imaging system. The method includes determining a thickness of an object of interest, and adjusting at least one parameter of an image acquisition process based on the determined thickness.

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 reducing contrast variability in images produced by tomosynthesis. In particular, contrast variability in images produced by a radiation source which has a linear or elongated scan path is reduced. The technique filters the radiographic projections or the reconstructed image slices in a direction transverse to the scan-direction of the radiation source to reduce contrast variations related to the orientation of the structure and the scan geometry.

Abstract: An imaging system for performing tomosynthesis on a region of an object comprises an x-ray source, motion controller, an x-ray detector and a processing unit. The x-ray source is positioned at a predetermined distance from the object and continuously moves along a path relative to the object at a plurality of predetermined locations. The x-ray source transmits x-ray radiation through the region of the object. The motion controller is coupled to the x-ray source and continuously moves the x-ray source along the path relative to the object. The x-ray source minimizes vibration in the imaging system due to continuous movement. The x-ray detector is positioned at a predetermined distance from the x-ray source and detects the x-ray radiation transmitted through the region of the object, thus acquiring x-ray image data representative of the region of the object. The processing unit is coupled to the x-ray detector for processing the x-ray image data into at least one tomosynthesis image of the region of the object.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system comprises a movable radiation source adapted to be disposed in a plurality of respective radiation source positions; a radiation detector and a collimator assembly configured to displace a collimator in a plurality of respective collimator positions, each of the collimator positions being coordinated with at least one of the radiation source positions such that a radiation beam emanating from the radiation source is collimated to limit radiation incident on the detector to a predetermined exposure area. Another radiation imaging system comprises a movable radiation source; a radiation detector; and a collimator comprising an adjustable geometry aperture assembly configured such that an adjustment of the aperture geometry is synchronized with the movement of the radiation source and coordinated with the radiation source position so as to limit the incident radiation to a predetermined exposure area at the detector.

Abstract: An imaging system for performing tomosynthesis on a region of an object comprises an x-ray source, motion controller, an x-ray detector and a processing unit. The x-ray source is positioned at a predetermined distance from the object and continuously moves along a linear path relative to the object. The x-ray source transmits x-ray radiation through the region of the object at a plurality of predetermined locations. The motion controller is coupled to the x-ray source and continuously moves the x-ray source along the path relative to the object. The x-ray source minimizes vibration in the imaging system due to continuous movement. The x-ray detector is positioned at a predetermined distance from the x-ray source and detects the x-ray radiation transmitted through the region of the object, thus acquiring x-ray image data representative of the region of the object.

Abstract: There is provided a method of constructing a three dimensional (3D) image of an object from a plurality of two dimensional (2D) views of the object, comprising the steps of filtering the plurality of 2D views of the object, and order statistics-based backprojecting the filtered 2D views into the 3D image of the object.