Abstract: An X-ray imaging system using multiple pulsed X-ray source pairs in-motion to perform highly efficient and ultrafast 3D radiography is presented. The sources move simultaneously on arc trajectory at a constant speed as a group. Each individual source also moves rapidly around its static position in a small distance, but one moves in opposite direction to the other to cancel out linear momentum. Trajectory can also be arranged at a ring structure horizontally. In X-ray source pairs each moves in opposite angular direction to another to cancel out angular momentum. When an individual X-ray source has a speed that equals to group speed but an opposite linear or angular direction, the individual X-ray source is triggered through an external exposure control unit. This allows the source to stay relatively standstill during activation. 3D data can be acquired with wider view in shorter time and image analysis is real-time.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system using multiple pulsed X-ray sources to perform highly efficient and ultrafast 3D radiography is presented. There are multiple pulsed X-ray sources mounted on a structure in motion to form an array of sources. The multiple X-ray sources move simultaneously relative to an object on a pre-defined arc track at a constant speed as a group. Electron beam inside each individual X-ray tube is deflected by magnetic or electrical field to move focal spot a small distance. When focal spot of an X-ray tube beam has a speed that is equal to group speed but with opposite moving direction, the X-ray source and X-ray flat panel detector are activated through an external exposure control unit so that source tube stay momentarily standstill equivalently. 3D scan can cover much wider sweep angle in much shorter time and image analysis can also be done in real-time.

Abstract: A system and method for improved image acquisition of multiple pulsed X-ray source-in-motion tomosynthesis imaging apparatus by generating the electrocardiogram (ECG) waveform data using an ECG device. Once a representative cardiac cycle is determined, system will acquire images only at rest period of heart beat. Real time ECG waveform is used as ECG synchronization for image improvement. The imaging apparatus avoids ECG peak pulse for better chest, lung and breast imaging under influence of cardiac periodical motion. As a result, smoother data acquisition, much higher data quality can be achieved. The multiple pulsed X-ray source-in-motion tomosynthesis machine is with distributed multiple X-ray sources that is spanned at wide scan angle. At rest period of one heartbeat, multiple X-ray exposures are acquired from X-ray sources at different angles. The machine itself has capability to acquire as many as 60 actual projection images within about two seconds.

Abstract: System and method are disclosed for imaging acquisition from sparse partial scans of distributed wide angle. During real time image reconstruction, artificial intelligence (AI) determines if there is enough information to perform diagnostics based on initial scans. If there is enough information from the fractional scans, then data acquisition stops; if more information is needed, then system performs another round of wide-angle sparse scans in a new location progressively until a result is satisfactory. The system reduces X-ray dose on a patient and performs quicker X-ray scan at multiple pulsed source-in-motion tomosynthesis imaging system. The method and system also significantly reduce the amount of time required to display high quality three-dimensional tomosynthesis images.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system using multiple pulsed X-ray sources in motion to perform high efficient and ultrafast 3D radiography using an X-ray flexible curved panel detector is presented. There are multiple pulsed X-ray sources mounted on a structure in motion to form an array of sources. The sources move simultaneously relative to an object on a predefined arc track at a constant speed as a group. Each individual X-ray source can move around its static position at a small distance. When an individual source has a speed equal to group speed, but with opposite moving direction, the individual source and detector are activated. This allows source to stay relatively standstill during activation. The operation results in reduced source travel distance for each individual source. 3D radiography image data can be acquired with much wider sweep angle in much shorter time, and image analysis can also be done in real-time.

Abstract: An X-ray tomosynthesis imaging system using multiple pulsed X-ray source pairs in-motion to perform highly efficient and ultrafast 3D radiography is presented. Sources are mounted on a structure in motion to form pairs. The sources move simultaneously on a predefined arc trajectory at a constant speed as a group. In one pair, each individual source also moves rapidly around its static position in a small distance, but one moves in opposite direction to the other to cancel out momentum. When one source has a speed that is equal to group speed but with opposite direction, the source and X-ray detector are activated through an external exposure trigger. This allows the source to stay relatively standstill during activation. It results in much reduced travel distance for individual source. 3D data can be acquired with wider sweep angle in shorter time and image analysis is real-time. Heavy duty source can be used.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system with multiple pulsed X-ray source tubes in motion to perform highly efficient and ultrafast 3D radiography is presented. There are multiple X-ray tubes from pulsed sources mounted on a structure in motion to form an array of X-ray tubes. The tubes move simultaneously relative to an object on a pre-defined arc track at a constant speed as a group. Each individual X-ray tube in each individual source can also move rapidly around its static position in a small distance. When a tube has a speed that is equal to group speed but with opposite moving direction, the tube and X-ray flat panel detector are activated through an external exposure control unit so that the tube stay momentarily standstill. It results in much reduced travel distance for each X-ray source tube and much lighter load for motion system. 3D X-ray scan can cover much wider sweeping angle in much shorter time and image analysis can also be done in real time.

Abstract: A transport system with curved track pair is constructed for multiple pulsed X-ray source-in-motion to perform fast digital tomosynthesis imaging. It includes a curved rigid track pair with predetermined curvature, a primary motor stage car loaded with X-ray sources and wheels loaded with tension or compression springs. The car is driven by primary motor mounted at base frame and an engaged gear mounted at the car. The car can carry heavy loads, travel with high precision and high repeatability at all installation orientations while motion vibration is minimal. It is also scalable to have a larger radius. Track angle span usually can be from about ten degrees to about 170 degrees. During imaging acquisition, X-ray sources can sweep precisely from one location to another. The car has enough clearance to move in its path without rubbing wheels on tracks. Better than 0.2 mm overall spatial precision can be achieved with the digital tomosynthesis imaging.

Abstract: Disclosed are image recognition Artificial Intelligence (AI) training methods for multiple pulsed X-ray source-in-motion tomosynthesis imaging system. Image recognition AI training can be performed three ways: first, using existing acquired chest CT data set with known nodules to generate synthetic tomosynthesis Images, no X-ray radiation applied; second, taking X-ray raw images with anthropomorphic chest phantoms with simulated lung nodules, applying X-ray beam on phantom only; third, acquiring X-ray images using multiple pulsed source-in-motion tomosynthesis images from real patients with real known nodules and without nodules. An X-ray image recognition training network that is configured to receive X-ray training images, automatically determine whether the received images indicate a nodule or lesion condition. After training, image knowledge is updated and stored at knowledge database.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system using multiple pulsed X-ray sources in motion to perform high efficient and ultrafast 3D radiography is presented. There are multiple pulsed X-ray sources mounted on a structure in motion to form an array of sources. The multiple X-ray sources move simultaneously relative to an object on a pre-defined arc track at a constant speed as a group. Each individual X-ray source can also move rapidly around its static position in a small distance. When an X-ray source has a speed that is equal to group speed but with opposite moving direction, the X-ray source and X-ray flat panel detector are activated through an external exposure control unit so that source stay momentarily standstill. It results in much reduced source travel distance for each X-ray source. 3D scan can cover much wider sweep angle in much shorter time and image analysis can also be done in real-time.

Abstract: X-ray target element is comprised of a planar wafer. The planar wafer element includes a target layer and a substrate layer. The target layer is comprised of an element having a relatively high atomic number and the substrate layer is comprised of diamond. The substrate layer is configured to support the target layer and facilitate transfer of thermal energy away from the target layer.

Abstract: Three dimensional beam forming X-ray source includes an electron beam generator (EBG) to generate an electron beam. A target element is disposed a predetermined distance from the EBG and positioned to intercept the electron beam. The target element is responsive to the electron beam to generate X-ray radiation. A beam former is disposed proximate to the target element and comprised of a material which interacts with the X-ray radiation to form an X-ray beam. An EBG control system controls at least one of a beam pattern and a direction of the X-ray beam by selectively varying a location where the electron beam intersects the target element to control an interaction of the X-ray radiation with the beam-former.

Abstract: Validation of a therapeutic radiation treatment involves using an applicator balloon surrounding an X-ray radiation source to support a plurality of X-ray sensor elements (XRSE). The XRSE are supported on the applicator balloon at distributed locations to sense applied radiation from the radiation source. At least one parameter of the applied radiation which has been sensed by the XRSE is compared to a corresponding parameter of a predetermined radiation treatment plan. Based on the comparing, a determination is made as to whether one or more requirements of the predetermined radiation treatment plan have been satisfied.

Abstract: Three dimensional beam forming X-ray source includes an electron beam generator (EBG) to generate an electron beam. A target element is disposed a predetermined distance from the EBG and positioned to intercept the electron beam. The target element is responsive to the electron beam to generate X-ray radiation. A beam former is disposed proximate to the target element and comprised of a material which interacts with the X-ray radiation to form an X-ray beam. An EBG control system controls at least one of a beam pattern and a direction of the X-ray beam by selectively varying a location where the electron beam intersects the target element to control an interaction of the X-ray radiation with the beam-former.

Abstract: A device for monitoring human feet can include: a transmissive sheet configured to bear at least 90 kg supported at a height of no more than 23 cm, and a foot image capture system below the sheet. An optical image sensor can capture a field of view including at least 250 cm2 of the surface of the sheet. The device can have a central reflective element positioned below the sheet directly above the sensor and two outer mirrors such that two fields of view at least 250 cm2 each can be focused onto the sensor by a lens. Foot sole images can be automatically captured when a patient stands on the device. Images can be transmitted to a database and associated with the patient by analyzing the images for a unique predetermined metric.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device and method for imaging of a human foot including a transmissive sheet with an upper surface configured to accommodate a sole of the foot, a light source positioned below the sheet for emitting light toward the sheet, and an optical path controller in the sheet or coupled to the sheet for altering a path of the light causing internal reflection of the light toward a predetermined region of the foot. The image can be analyzed for a predetermined characteristic associated with a human patient, and determination made whether the characteristic in the image matches the patient. Brightness in the image can be analyzed for tissue moisture information.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for X-ray imaging wherein a radiation source comprising rows of discrete emissive locations can be positioned such that these rows are angularly offset relative to rows of sensing elements on a radiation sensor. A processor can process and allocate responses of the sensing elements in appropriate memory locations given the angular offset between source and sensor. This manner of allocation can include allocating the responses into data rows associated with unique positions along a direction of columns of discrete emissive locations on the source. Mapping coefficients can be determined that map allocated responses into an image plane.

Abstract: Examples of systems and methods to provide estimates of dark current for pixels of a photosensor as a function of the temperature of the sensor and the gain applied to the photosensor are described. In various implementations, the dark current estimated for each pixel can depend at least partly on a global scale factor and a global bias that depend on temperature and gain and a temperature-independent and gain-independent offset value for each pixel. The scale, bias, and offsets may be determined from multiple dark field images taken by the sensor over a range of operating temperatures. In some cases, the scale and bias can be determined using a subset of less than all the image pixels. Scale and bias derived for a particular sensor can be used in the calibration of different sensors.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for X-ray imaging wherein a radiation source comprising rows of discrete emissive locations can be positioned such that these rows are angularly offset relative to rows of sensing elements on a radiation sensor. A processor can process and allocate responses of the sensing elements in appropriate memory locations given the angular offset between source and sensor. This manner of allocation can include allocating the responses into data rows associated with unique positions along a direction of columns of discrete emissive locations on the source. Mapping coefficients can be determined that map allocated responses into an image plane.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for X-ray imaging wherein a radiation source comprising rows of discrete emissive locations can be positioned such that these rows are angularly offset relative to rows of sensing elements on a radiation sensor. A processor can process and allocate responses of the sensing elements in appropriate memory locations given the angular offset between source and sensor. This manner of allocation can include allocating the responses into data rows associated with unique positions along a direction of columns of discrete emissive locations on the source. Mapping coefficients can be determined that map allocated responses into an image plane.