Abstract: A tomosynthesis scanning system includes an X-ray emitter connected to a first robotic device, and an X-ray detector connected to a second robotic device. The first robotic device moves the emitter along a first spiral trajectory path and, optionally, the second robotic device moves the detector along a second spiral trajectory path during the scanning process. Where both the emitter and detector move, the movement is synchronized. A computer is used to control the first and second robotic devices. In operation, an object to be scanned is positioned between the X-ray emitter and the X-ray detector, then the X-ray emitter is moved along a first spiral path while emitting a photon beam at the X-ray detector and allowing the photon beam to pass through the object before reaching the X-ray detector. Attenuation of the photon beam reaching the X-ray detector is measured and an image is produced based on the measured attenuation of the photon beam.

Abstract: A method for X-ray computed tomography includes a robotic arm that moves an X-ray emitter around a subject in a curvilinear path and an X-ray detector that captures 2-dimensional views while the subject is scanned. Movements of the emitter and detector are coordinated such that the position and angle of the emitter relative to the detector remains substantially constant during scanning. A processor uses computed tomography to reconstruct an image of the subject from the captured 2-dimensional views. The robotic arm varies the pitch of the X-ray emitter during the scan to enhance the spatial resolution of the reconstructed image. The processor generates a projection transformation matrix based on movement of the robotic arm for each captured 2-dimensional view that is applied during reconstruction.

Abstract: A system and method for X-ray computed tomography includes a robotic arm that moves an X-ray emitter around a subject in a curvilinear path and an X-ray detector that captures 2-dimensional views while the subject is scanned. Movements of the emitter and detector are coordinated such that the position and angle of the emitter relative to the detector remains substantially constant during scanning. A processor uses computed tomography to reconstruct an image of the subject from the captured 2-dimensional views. The robotic arm varies the pitch of the X-ray emitter during the scan to enhance the spatial resolution of the reconstructed image. The processor generates a projection transformation matrix based on movement of the robotic arm for each captured 2-dimensional view that is applied during reconstruction.

Abstract: A system and method for X-ray computed tomography includes a robotic arm that moves an X-ray emitter around a subject in a curvilinear path and an X-ray detector that captures 2-dimensional views while the subject is scanned. Movements of the emitter and detector are coordinated such that the position and angle of the emitter relative to the detector remains substantially constant during scanning. A processor uses computed tomography to reconstruct an image of the subject from the captured 2-dimensional views. The robotic arm varies the pitch of the X-ray emitter during the scan to enhance the spatial resolution of the reconstructed image. The processor generates a projection transformation matrix based on movement of the robotic arm for each captured 2-dimensional view that is applied during reconstruction.