Abstract: The invention relates to a computer tomography apparatus for examining a body part of a large animal, comprising a computer tomography (CT) device and a platform on which the CT device is mounted. The CT device has an annular gantry and a CT table to accommodate a body part of a large animal to be examined. The gantry is immovable relative to the platform. Relative to the platform and to the gantry the CT table is horizontally movably connected to the gantry and/or the platform in such a way that the CT table can be moved into a central opening in the annular gantry. The computer tomography apparatus further comprises a positioning device which is connected to the platform and is designed to position the platform having the mounted CT device relative to a supporting surface for a large animal.

Abstract: A system and method for generating X-rays are disclosed. The method may include emitting an electron beam from a cathode to a focal track of a rotating target. The method may further include deflecting the electron beam onto a first region of the focal track at a first time, and deflecting the electron beam onto a second region of the focal track at a second time. The first region of the focal track may be separated from the second region of the focal track. The method may further include generating X-rays in response to the electron beam deflected onto the first region of the focal track or onto the second region of the focal track.

Abstract: A system and method for computed tomography (CT) imaging is provided. The system includes a gantry having a first and second circumference defining locations fixed in relation to a subject arranged therein, the first and second circumference being axially separated, and spaced from a central axial plane of the gantry. The system also includes a plurality of source modules arranged at locations along the first circumference, and configured for directing X-ray beams toward the subject using a selected illumination pattern, and a plurality of detector modules arranged at locations along the second circumference, wherein the source and detector modules are angled toward the central axial plane such that each source module is diametrically opposed to one or more detector modules. The system further includes an acquisition system configured for controlling the plurality of source modules in accordance with the selected illumination pattern, and acquiring CT image data from the plurality of detector modules.

Abstract: A system and method for generating X-rays are disclosed. The method may include emitting an electron beam from a cathode to a focal track of a rotating target. The method may further include deflecting the electron beam onto a first region of the focal track at a first time, and deflecting the electron beam onto a second region of the focal track at a second time. The first region of the focal track may be separated from the second region of the focal track. The method may further include generating X-rays in response to the electron beam deflected onto the first region of the focal track or onto the second region of the focal track.

Abstract: A system and method for CT image reconstruction are provided. The method may include: obtaining raw data set related to an object; generating a first image set based on the raw data set, wherein the first image set includes a first full quality image and a first max field of view image; generating one or more reference images based on the first max field of view image; generating a first bone information image based on the one or more reference images; generating a second image set based on the raw data set, wherein the second image set includes a second full quality image; generating a second bone information image based on the one or more reference images; correcting hardening beam artifact of the second full quality image based on the second bone information image to generate a hardening beam artifact corrected image.

Abstract: A method includes receiving Emission Tomography (ET) data of a subject from an ET/Computed Tomography (CT) scanner. The method further includes generating a first motion signal corresponding to a first bed position of the ET/CT scanner from the received ET data and determining whether the first motion signal indicates a periodic motion. The method also includes calculating a first time period from the first motion signal in response to determining that the first motion signal indicates the periodic motion and sending a first acquire notification to the ET/CT scanner to acquire Cinematographic (CINE) Computed Tomography (CT) data from the first bed position based on the first time period.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the X-ray computed tomography apparatus includes an X-ray tube, a rotating frame, a plurality of detector elements, a plurality of DAS elements, switching circuitry, and switching control circuitry. The X-ray tube generates X-rays. The X-ray tube is attached to the rotating frame. The plurality of detector elements detect X-rays. The plurality of DAS elements perform signal processing on output signals from the plurality of detector elements. The switching circuitry is provided between the plurality of detector elements and the plurality of DAS elements. The switching control circuitry controls the switching circuitry to switch the connections between the plurality of detector elements and the plurality of DAS elements for every rotation of the rotating frame at a predetermined angle.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are described for addressing (e.g., during calibration) pixel-by-pixel variations in an image modality that utilizes photon counting techniques, such as by adjusting a number of photons detected by certain pixels (e.g., redistributing or reallocating detected photons among pixels). Such variations may cause an effective area of one or more pixels of a detector array to be larger than the effective area of other pixels, resulting in more photons being counted by some pixels than others, which can degrade resulting images. Accordingly, photons are redistributed as provided herein so that, when exposed to substantially uniform radiation, photon counts of neighboring pixels are substantially equal, statistical noise among neighboring pixels is substantially equal, and a signal-to-noise ratio among neighboring pixels is substantially equal.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use in generating a volumetric reconstruction of an object using scattered X-ray radiography. An X-ray beam is directed towards a point within a target object. Scattered X-rays are measured by detectors and measurement data is stored. The X-ray beam is directed towards different points. Measurement data associated with each point is analyzed using a ray tracing methodology to assign contrast values to each point. A volumetric image is generated therefrom.

Abstract: This specification discloses methods and systems for generating a stereo image of an object that is positioned within an imaging volume. The object is positioned within the imaging volume. Two stationary X-ray source points are selected and activated. X-rays from both stationary X-ray source points are transmitted through the object being scanned and detected using detector elements positioned across the imaging volume and opposite the stationary X-ray source points. Image data sets from the X-rays detected by the detector elements are generated and then combined to produce the stereo image.

Abstract: An apparatus for X-ray CT imaging including an X-ray irradiation unit configured to irradiate an X-ray toward a subject, an X-ray detector having a plurality of X-ray detection elements along a channel direction and a row direction, a couch on which the subject can be arranged, a rotation unit on which the X-ray irradiation unit and the X-ray detector are oppositely disposed and rotate around the couch, a controller configured to execute a helical scan while fluctuating an X-ray focal spot along a body axis direction of the subject by controlling the X-ray irradiation unit, and an image processing unit configured to generate a reconstructed image based on data acquired by the helical scan, wherein the controller is further configured to set a magnitude of fluctuation of the X-ray focal spot so that data acquisition loci of the helical scan do not overlap each other.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for reconstructing image data of an examination object from measurement data of a computed tomography system, the examination object having been irradiated simultaneously by a number of X-ray sources while the measurement data was being acquired so that different projections of the examination object associated with the number of X-ray sources were acquired simultaneously for each detector element. In at least one embodiment, different iteration images of the examination object are determined one after the other from the measurement data by way of an iterative algorithm, a computation operation being employed with the iterative algorithm, which is applied to the iteration images and takes the presence of the number of X-ray sources into account.

Abstract: Methods and systems for use in generating a volumetric reconstruction of an object using scattered X-ray radiography. An X-ray beam is directed towards a point within a target object. Scattered X-rays are measured by detectors and measurement data is stored. The X-ray beam is directed towards different points. Measurement data associated with each point is analyzed using a ray tracing methodology to assign contrast values to each point. A volumetric image is generated therefrom.

Abstract: The present application discloses an X-ray scanner having an X-ray source arranged to emit X-rays from source points through an imaging volume. The scanner may further include an array of X-ray detectors which may be arranged around the imaging volume and may be arranged to output detector signals in response to the detection of X-rays. The scanner may further include a conveyor arranged to convey an object through the imaging volume in a scan direction, and may also include at least one processor arranged to process the detector signals to produce an image data set defining an image of the object. The image may have a resolution in the scan direction that is at least 90% as high as in one direction, and in some cases two directions, orthogonal to the scan direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for reducing motion related imaging artifacts. The method includes determining an internal motion for of two regions of the object, each region having a different level of motion, scanning the first region using a first scan protocol based on the motion, scanning a second region using a second different scan protocol based on the motion, and generating an image of the object based on the first and second regions.

Abstract: A computed tomography system has a support stage constructed and arranged to support a subject while under observation, an x-ray illumination system arranged proximate the support stage to illuminate the subject with x-rays, an x-ray detection system arranged proximate the support stage to detect x-rays after they pass through the subject and to provide signals based on the detected x-rays, and a data processing system in communication with the x-ray detection system to receive the signals from the x-ray detection system. The computed tomography system has a dynamic mode of operation and a scanning mode of operation. The data processing system extracts information concerning a dynamic process of the subject based on signals from both the dynamic mode and the scanning mode of operation.

Abstract: The present invention generally refers to computed tomography (CT) based imaging systems and, more particularly, to a fast 3D tomosynthesis scanner apparatus and CT-based method without focal spot motion during continuous tube movement around an object of interest (O) or tissue region (M) to be examined (herein also referred to as “object”), which may advantageously be used in cone-beam volume CT mammography imaging so as to avoid motion artifacts and blurring effects. According to the present invention, said 3D tomosynthesis scanner apparatus is adapted to perform a rotational step-and-shoot image acquisition procedure for acquiring a set of 2D projection images during a continuous rotational movement of an X-ray tube (101) in an azi-muthal direction (+?) along an arc segment of a circular trajectory when rotating around said object (O, M) and subjecting these 2D projection images to a 3D reconstruction procedure.

Abstract: An electron beam production and control assembly includes a vacuum chamber, a beam source, and a target. The target has an active section and an inactive section. The active section is adapted to generate x-rays when the beam impinges on the x-ray producing section. The electron beam production and control assembly also includes a focusing unit positioned along the chamber at a location intermediate the rearward end and the forward end. The focusing unit directs the beam towards the target in a converging manner to impinge on the target. The focusing unit sweeps the beam along a scanning path over the active section of the target. The focusing unit moves the beam to a retrace path on the inactive section of the target between sweeps of the scanning path to maintain ion accumulation in the beam between sweeps over the active section.

Abstract: There is provided an electron computer tomography method for recording a moving object (27), in which an electron beam is deflected onto an anode arc (14) in order to generate X-ray radiation which passes through an object (27) and is picked up by a detector device (28), wherein the X-ray radiation leaves the anode arc (14) in the form of a fan-shaped beam having a source trajectory (40) in the form of a circle segment around the object (27) and the starting point (41) of the source trajectory (40) can be changed.

Abstract: A radiological imaging apparatus of the present invention includes an X-ray source for emitting an X-ray, a ?-ray detecting section for outputting a detection signal of a ?-ray, and an X-ray detecting section for outputting a detecting signal of an X-ray. The X-ray source moves around a bed for placing an examinee. The ?-ray detecting section has a plurality of radiation detectors aligned in the longitudinal direction of the bed and placed around the bed. The X-ray detecting section is positioned in a region formed between one end and the other end of the ?-ray detecting section in the longitudinal direction of the bed. The X-ray source is also positioned in the region. Since the X-ray detecting section is placed in the region, it is possible to accurately combine a PET image and an X-ray computed tomographic image.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a gantry rotating around an object on a table. A cathode emitter is coupled to the gantry and generates an electron beam. An anode, also coupled to the gantry, is stationary with respect to the cathode emitter and generates an x-ray flux in response to the electron beam. A detector is coupled to the gantry and is adapted to receive the x-ray flux and generate therefrom a detector signal.

Abstract: The present technique provides a method for controlling an electron beam (e-beam) in an X-ray tube. The method comprises emitting electrons from an electron source to form the e-beam, accelerating the e-beam from a cathode through an aperture in a plate, focusing and steering the e-beam from the aperture through a plurality of field generating plates, and accelerating the e-beam from the plurality of the field generating plates to a target. Also provided are X-ray tubes and computed tomography systems.

Abstract: A computed tomography imaging system includes an x ray tube (12, 212) that injects an x ray conebeam into an examination region (14). The x ray tube (12, 212) includes a rotating cylindrical anode (30, 230, 330, 430) having a target outer surface region. The cylindrical anode (30, 230, 330, 430) rotates about a longitudinally aligned cylinder axis (32). Electrons are accelerated toward a selected spot on the target outer surface region of the cylindrical anode (30, 230, 330, 430). Electrostatic or electromagnetic deflectors (64, 68) sweep the selected spot back and forth across the target outer surface region of the cylindrical anode (30, 330, 430). The imaging system further includes a rotating gantry (22) that revolves the x ray tube (12, 212) about the examination region (14) around a rotation axis that is parallel to the cylindrical axis, and an x-ray detector (16) arranged to detect x rays after said x rays pass through the examination region (14).

Abstract: The present invention provides a volumetric computed tomography (VCT) system capable of producing data for reconstructing an entire three-dimensional (3D) image of a subject during a single rotation without suffering from cone beam artifacts. The VCT system comprises an array of source positions distributed along a line parallel to an axis of rotation, a plurality of collimators, and an array of x-ray detectors. In a preferred embodiment, a reversed imaging geometry is used. A 2D array of source positions provides x-rays emanating from each focal spot toward an array of detectors. The x-rays are restricted by a collimator array and measured by a detector array separately per each source position. The axial extent of the source array and the detector array are comparable to or larger than the axial extent of the portion of the object being imaged.

Abstract: The present invention provides a volumetric computed tomography (VCT) system capable of producing data for reconstructing an entire three-dimensional (3D) image of a subject during a single rotation without suffering from cone beam artifacts. The VCT system comprises an array of source positions distributed along a line parallel to an axis of rotation, a plurality of collimators, and an array of x-ray detectors. In a preferred embodiment, a reversed imaging geometry is used. A 2D array of source positions provides x-rays emanating from each focal spot toward an array of detectors. The x-rays are restricted by a collimator array and measured by a detector array separately per each source position. The axial extent of the source array and the detector array are comparable to or larger than the axial extent of the portion of the object being imaged.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention provide a method for three-dimensional cine EBA/CTA imaging. The method includes monitoring a cardiac cycle of a patient and selecting a trigger point along the cardiac cycle. When the cardiac cycle of the patient reaches the trigger point, a computed tomography (CT) scan of the patient is initiated. At least two CT scans of the patient are performed during a time period over two or more cardiac cycles. A cine angiography image is constructed from the at least two CT scans.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed in an EBT scanner for generating an image from a data set collected from a subject beginning at an arbitrary time within a scanning time interval. A sequence of temporally separated, unfolded parallel view sinograms are generated corresponding to scans through the subject during the scanning time interval. Data from each of the sinograms are folded into each other such that loss of information and image artifacts, caused by temporal separation between temporally adjacent sinograms, are greatly reduced. An image is generated from a subset of data taken from the folded sinograms wherein the subset of data begins at an arbitrary time within the scanning time interval.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a gantry rotating around an object on a table. A cathode emitter is coupled to the gantry and generates an electron beam. An anode, also coupled to the gantry, is stationary with respect to the cathode emitter and generates an x-ray flux in response to the electron beam. A detector is coupled to the gantry and is adapted to receive the x-ray flux and generate therefrom a detector signal.

Abstract: A system and device for use in a security area, and more particularly, a rack system and holding device for placing various objects that are processed through a security area are taught.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, includes a digital x-ray imaging system which, in one embodiment, collects projection data from a plurality of views and reduces artifacts caused by detector residual signals. More specifically and in one embodiment, volumetric images are generated by collecting projection data for a plurality of views. During inactive periods between the collection of projection data for adjacent views, the x-ray emission is stopped and each detector pixel is simultaneously energized to reduce a residual signal of each pixel. As a result, projection data for a subsequent view is not biased by the residual signal from a previous view.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for reducing variation in a spot size of an electron beam at a target due to multipole aberrations in an electron beam tomography (EBT) scanner. A magnitude of a DC voltage applied to a positive ion electrode (PIE) within the EBT scanner is adjusted and an orientation of a non-circular aperture of the PIE is aligned with respect to the electron beam. A profile of the spot size is monitored while adjusting the magnitude of the DC voltage and while aligning the orientation of the non-circular aperture of the PIE until the variation in the spot size is sufficiently reduced.

Abstract: Scalable multislice systems which, in one embodiment, includes a scalable multislice detector, a scalable data acquisition system (SDAS), scalable scan management, control, and image reconstruction processes, and a user interface, are described. More specifically, the user interface is implemented in a host computer for defining the configuration of the imaging system. Particularly, after selection of each scan parameter, the user interface displays the available scan parameter values for the remaining parameters so that the scan objectives are met. More specifically, after selection of each scan parameter, the user interface updates the remaining scan parameters, including prospective and retrospective image thicknesses.

Abstract: An image processing system and method visually documents and displays the in-vivo location from which a biopsy specimen was extracted, by processing pre-biopsy and post-biopsy images. A composite image is created which visually emphasizes differences between the pre-biopsy and post-biopsy images. Preferably three-dimensional, digitized images, displayable in various projections, are stored for archival purposes on computer readable media. An image processor preferably exploits an optical correlator to register the pre-biopsy and post-biopsy images accurately. The images are then compared, voxel-by-voxel, to detect differences between pre-biopsy and post-biopsy images. The composite image is displayed with synthetic colors, synthetic icons, or other visual clues to emphasize probable in-vivo biopsy locations.

Abstract: The present invention is, in one aspect, an imaging system having a detector that has multiple detector cells extending along a z-axis, the detector being configured to collect multiple slices of data; and a scalable data acquisition system configured to convert signals from the detector to digital form, the scalable data acquisition system having a plurality of converter boards each with a plurality of channels, the channels and detector cells having an interweaved coupling to reduce susceptibility to band artifact.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, is a system for correcting thermal drift in an imaging system. More specifically, a correction algorithm determines an adjusted focal spot position based upon a first temperature focal spot position and a second temperature focal spot position. The adjusted focal spot position is utilized in the reconstruction process to correct for focal spot movement resulting from thermal drift.

Abstract: In an x-ray computed tomography apparatus the source of X-rays and the detector are able to scan a volume of the examination subject in a short time. The X-ray source contains an anode that is elongated in the z-direction, on which the focus travels by a controlled deflection of an electron beam. A primary beam diaphragm is displaced synchronously with the focus movement along the anode. The diaphragm forms a pyramid-shaped X-ray beam which always fully strikes the detector but does not overshot the detector. The detector is formed by a matrix of detector elements.

Abstract: A CT apparatus for reducing aliasing in reconstructed images uses an x-ray tube with a translatable focal spot to double the spatial sampling rate, over that achieved by a conventional CT machine. Radial resolution artifacts in the image, identified to the "bleeding through" of previous samples from different focal spot positions into the present sample are removed by a convolution process employing the inverse of the detector transfer function. Timing of the data sampling with respect to the changing of the wobble positions is also employed to minimize the bleed through and to improve signal-to-noise ratio.

Abstract: An x-ray tube for computer tomography (CT) has a cathode for generating an electron beam, a rotating anode having an incident area onto which the electron beam is incident in a focal spot, and a deflection system for deflecting the electron beam, dependent on an electrical deflection signal, in a deflection direction intersecting the circumferential direction of the rotating anode, such that the focal spot periodically moves from an initial position into a final position once during once per scanning position.

Abstract: An X-ray computer tomography system with a stationary ring anode and a plurality of stationary electron sources for the construction of fast scan images from the inside of an object is improved in such a way that there is free access from both sides of the scan region, that the gantry unit can be tilted, and that the image quality which can be achieved is comparable to that of conventional tomography systems with mechanical motion of the anode. A plurality of electron sources are configured in proximity to the ring anode on a stationary ring, with each source being capable of sweeping its respective electron beam over a portion of the anode ring.

Abstract: A computer tomography apparatus has a circular anode and a circular radiation detector in which a patient to be examined is disposed. An electron beam from an electron gun is deflected by a beam deflection system, fed by a line voltage, so that the focus of the electron beam on the anode orbits the patient, thereby irradiating the patient from different angular positions. The radiation attenuated by the patient is recorded by the radiation detector, and corresponding electrical signals are read-out from the radiation detector by a data acquisition system, from which an image of the patient is constructed.

Abstract: A computer tomography apparatus has an annular anode surrounding a volume in which an examination subject is disposed, a source for generating an electron beam, and a coil through which the electron beam passes which deflects the electron beam so as to be incident on a face of the anode and to orbit the examination subject, thereby causing the examination subject to be irradiated in a measuring field from various directions. A control unit is provided for the coil causing the electron beam to be deflected so as to sweep the anode in both the azimuthal and radial directions. The focus of the electron beam on the anode surface thus describes a wave-shaped path, so that the focus path on the anode is lengthened and the thermal load is reduced.

Abstract: Tomographic or sectional X-ray images (46) of a subject (32) are obtained rapidly by a method and apparatus that do not inherently require motion of the X-ray source (12) and detectors (13) or motion of the subject in order to generate the tomographic image data. In the source, a charged particle beam (17) is directed to a broad target plate (18) and raster scanned to produce a moving X-ray origin point (19). X-ray count values are obtained at a plurality of spaced apart detection points (D1, D2, D3, D4, D5, D6, D7) situated at the opposite side of the subject from the source. Successive count values from a first detection point are combined with successive count values from at least one other detection point that originated at a later time in the course of the raster scan to provide a sequence of composite data values.

Abstract: A method of forming tomographic images in cross-sectional tomography, in which a body is irradiated by a flat X-ray beam at different angles for successively forming a plurality of profiles on an X-ray screen or an X-ray detector, and a tomogram is constructed from the profiles, wherein the body and the X-ray detector are kept stationary and that, for forming the different profiles, the source of the flat X-ray beam is moved in a relatively short path extending on the side of the body remote from the X-ray detector.

Abstract: An electron beam production and control assembly especially suitable for use in producing X-rays in a computed tomography X-ray scanning system is disclosed herein. In this system, an electron beam is ultimately directed onto an X-ray producing target in a converging manner using electromagnetic components to accomplish this. The system also includes an arrangement for neutralizing the converging beam in a controlled manner sufficient to cause it to converge to a greater extent than it otherwise would in the absence of controlled neutralization, whereby to provide ion aided focusing.

Abstract: The exemplary embodiments disclose a computer tomograph which also is operable for the preparation of an x-ray shadow image. To this end every detector of the radiation receiver is extended in the longitudinal direction so as to permit the formation of the x-ray shadow image by line-by-line scanning of the radiation receiver with the radiation beam having a fan shape in a plane disposed perpendicularly to such longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A high speed multiple section, computed-tomographic x-ray scanner is provided. The scanner utilizes a multiple-anode, scanning electron beam x-ray source to provide high speed scanning of sections of the body. No mechanical motion is involved.