Abstract: A system for aligning a bed of an imaging system with an imaging plane. The system includes a laser device which generates a laser beam and a target element having a target detecting surface. The system also includes a reflective element which receives the laser beam. The reflective element includes a reflective detecting surface for detecting a first position of the laser beam. A first parameter of the bed is adjusted until the laser beam is positioned on a first center portion of the reflective detecting surface. In addition, the laser beam is reflected to the target detecting surface to detect a second position of the laser beam. A second parameter of the bed is adjusted until the laser beam is positioned on a second center portion of the target detecting surface to orient the bed substantially perpendicular to the imaging plane.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and computer-readable mediums are provided that utilize a phantom to correct attenuation due to beam hardening. The phantom includes a calibration tip attached to a proximal end of a portion. The portion has a diameter that increases incrementally from the proximal end of the portion towards a distal end of the portion (e.g., a substantially conical shape, a substantially convex shape, a substantially concave shape, or a series of adjacent steps). In another embodiment, a method is provided in which the phantom is scanned and an image of the phantom is reconstructed. Thereafter, an x-ray path length and estimated attenuation coefficient are calculated. A sum of expected coefficients are also calculated. The calculations are used to generate an algorithm for beam hardening coefficients.