Abstract: The present invention relates to a method (1), resp. a device, system and computer-program product, for material decomposition of spectral imaging projection data. The method comprises receiving (2) projection data acquired by a spectral imaging system and reducing (3) noise in the projection data by combining corresponding spectral values for different projection rays to obtain noise-reduced projection data. The method comprises applying (6) a first projection-domain material decomposition algorithm to the noise-reduced projection data to obtain a first set of material path length estimates, and applying (7) a second projection-domain material decomposition algorithm to the projection data to obtain a second set of material path length estimates. The second projection-domain material decomposition algorithm comprises an optimization that penalizes a deviation between the second set of material path length estimates being optimized and the first set of material path length estimates.

Abstract: The invention refers to providing a system that allows to reduce the computational costs when using an iterative reconstructional algorithm. The system (100) comprises a providing unit (110) for providing CT projection data, a base image generation unit (120) for generating a base image based on the projection data, a modifying unit (130) for generating a modified image, wherein an image value of a voxel of the base image is modified based on the image value of the voxel, and an image reconstruction unit (140) for reconstructing an image using an iterative reconstruction algorithm that uses the modified image as a start image. Since the modifying unit is adapted to modify the base image, the base image can be modified such as to form an optimal start image for the chosen iterative reconstruction such that a faster convergence of the iterative reconstruction can be accomplished.

Abstract: The present invention relates to multispectral imaging. In order to improve an identification of relevant multispectral material transitions (in particular caused by injected contrast agent), an apparatus is proposed to use the local maxima of the variances and/or covariances of the intensities of the multi-channel images to locate material transitions. In comparison to gradient vectors, the local variance is not directed and not prone to noise. An alternative apparatus is proposed to use the local covariance deficits of the intensities of the multi-channel images to locate material transitions. The proposed alternative approach is independent of spatial drifts across the image volume.

Abstract: A device (10) for controlling an image acquisition of a multi-slice computed tomography system (1), MSCT, is disclosed. The device comprises an input (11) for receiving projection image data from the MSCT (1), an output (12) for controlling operation of the MSCT (1) and a processor (13). The processor (13) is adapted for controlling the MSCT to acquire a large volume localizer radiograph, and for defining an organ region in the localizer radiograph that delimits an organ of interest. The processor is adapted for acquiring a large volume helical CT scan of the subject, in which an X-ray cone angle is increased when the organ region in the subject is translated into the examination volume and decreased when the organ region is translated out of the examination volume.

Abstract: A method for visualization may include: obtaining data of a first perfusion measure of myocardial tissues of a patient; obtaining data of a geometry of a coronary artery of the patient; obtaining data of a second perfusion measure of the coronary artery; obtaining data of a flow impediment measure along the coronary artery based on the data of the second perfusion measure of the coronary artery; and visualizing, on a single image, the first perfusion measure of the myocardial tissues and the coronary artery, the coronary artery being overlaid with the first perfusion measure on the single image, the visualized coronary artery representing the geometry of the coronary artery and the flow impediment measure along the coronary artery.

Abstract: A spectral X-ray imaging system (100) includes an X-ray source (110) and an X-ray detector (120) that are mounted to a support structure (150). The support structure (150) is configured to rotate the X-ray source (110) and the X-ray detector (120) around two or more orthogonal axes (A-A?, B-B?). One or more processors (130) are configured to cause the system (100) to perform operations that include: generating a spectral image based on the spectral image data; and identifying, in the spectral image, a position of a first fiducial marker (180i) comprising a first material, based on a first X-ray absorption k-edge energy value (190i) of the first material.

Abstract: An imaging system (MIS), optionally a medical imaging system, with wireless communication capability and related method. The imaging system comprises a gantry (RG) rotatable around a rotation axis. The gantry includes a detector device (D) capable of recording, in plural spatial positions, measurement data in relation to a subject (such as a patient) (PAT) to be imaged. The system also includes a radio transmitter (TX) for generating a directed radio beam propagatable along a propagation axis to transmit the measurement data to a radio receiver (RX). The radio transmitter (TX) is arranged at the rotatable gantry and is operable so that the propagation direction intersects the rotation axis in a location that is situated away from the rotatable gantry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotary anode X-ray source. In addition to a primary cathode of a rotary anode X-ray tube, an auxiliary cathode is provided in the rotary anode X-ray tube. Electrons from the auxiliary cathode are focused into an area on the anode, from which X-rays cannot enter the used X-ray beam generated by the primary cathode. An emission current controlling device is used to control the electron emission of the auxiliary cathode. Thus, the voltage down-ramp for dual energy scanning is kept constant even though the primary X-ray output changes for the sake of dose modulation or during a transient of the primary electron current.

Abstract: An imaging system (702) includes a reconstructor (716) configured to reconstruct obtained cone beam projection data with a voxel-dependent redundancy weighting such that low frequency components of the cone beam projection data are reconstructed with more redundant data than high frequency components of the cone beam projection data to produce volumetric image data. A method includes reconstructing obtained cone beam projection data with a voxel-dependent redundancy weighting such that low frequency components are reconstructed with more redundant data than high frequency components to produce volumetric image data.

Abstract: A device (10) for controlling an image acquisition of a multi-slice computed tomography system (1), MSCT, is disclosed. The device comprises an input (11) for receiving projection image data from the MSCT (1), an output (12) for controlling operation of the MSCT (1) and a processor (13). The processor (13) is adapted for controlling the MSCT to acquire a large volume localizer radiograph, and for defining an organ region in the localizer radiograph that delimits an organ of interest. The processor is adapted for acquiring a large volume helical CT scan of the subject, in which an X-ray cone angle is increased when the organ region in the subject is translated into the examination volume and decreased when the organ region is translated out of the examination volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for reconstructing an image of an object. The system (100) comprises means (110) providing projection data acquired by an imaging unit, like a CT system, with an FOV, means (120) generating estimated image data indicative of a part of an object (20) located outside the FOV (210), means (130) estimating virtual projection data based on virtual settings of a virtual imaging unit comprising a virtual FOV, means (140) generating fused projection data by fusing the provided projection data with the virtual projection data, and means (150) reconstructing a final image. This allows basing the reconstruction on a complete set of projection information for the object and thus providing an image with a high image quality.

Abstract: The invention refers to providing a system that allows to reduce the computational costs when using an iterative reconstructional algorithm. The system (100) comprises a providing unit (110) for providing CT projection data, a base image generation unit (120) for generating a base image based on the projection data, a modifying unit (130) for generating a modified image, wherein an image value of a voxel of the base image is modified based on the image value of the voxel, and an image reconstruction unit (140) for reconstructing an image using an iterative reconstruction algorithm that uses the modified image as a start image. Since the modifying unit is adapted to modify the base image, the base image can be modified such as to form an optimal start image for the chosen iterative reconstruction such that a faster convergence of the iterative reconstruction can be accomplished.

Abstract: A system (100) for reconstruction of medical images over a network comprises a scheduler (302) that schedules a reconstruction request (108) and the reconstruction request includes a medical image reconstruction of a subject according to an imaging protocol The scheduling includes scheduling of a plurality of events, each event with a corresponding time, and the plurality of events include at least one event with the corresponding time selected from a group consisting of a first time (520) to transmit raw image data (114) over a first network from a source node (116) to a reconstruction node (106), a second time (522) to reconstruct the medical image (118) by the reconstruction node, and a third time (524) to transmit the reconstructed medical image over a second network from the reconstruction node to a destination node (120).

Abstract: A computer tomography x-ray tube for generating pulsed x-rays is presented. The x-ray tube comprises an anode and an electron emission unit for generating a pulsed electron beam onto the anode. Furthermore, a rotation mechanism for rotating the anode characterized in that the rotation mechanism is configured for rotating the anode with an angular velocity that varies in time is comprised. The rotation mechanism may also be configured for rotating the anode such that the variation of the angular velocity in time is a continuous oscillation around a mean angular velocity ?0 in time. In a preferred embodiment the angular velocity ? (t) varies in time according to the following formula: ?(t)=?0+?? sin ?t, wherein ?0 is a mean angular velocity. In a particular embodiment, the grid switch for generating the pulsed electron beam is comprised and the x-ray tube may be embodied as a stereo tube, in which two focal spots of electron beams are generated in an alternating manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a field of view (28), in particular for examination of human patients.

Abstract: A method and system to perform region-of-interest (ROI) reconstruction is provided, even if the original projection data are truncated. The reconstruction is performed on a superset of the ROI, including the ROI as well as other areas which are outside the scan field-of-view of the imaging system but still within the imaging bore.

Abstract: Method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a field of view. Selection coils/magnets generate a magnetic selection field and drive coils generate a magnetic drive field for moving a field-free point along a predetermined trajectory through the field of view, changing the magnetization of the magnetic material locally. The drive field comprises a time-dependent oscillating drive field current per drive field coil having one or more individual oscillating frequencies and one or more individual current amplitudes and being generated by a corresponding drive field voltage generated by a superposition of a number of drive field voltage components including a drive field voltage component per drive field coil, wherein a drive field voltage component corresponding to a drive field coil comprises one or more sub-components, each having an individual voltage amplitude and having the same individual oscillating frequency as the respective drive field current of said particular drive field coil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a field of view (28), in particular for examination of human patients.

Abstract: A medical imaging system includes a generally stationary gantry (102) and a rotating gantry (106), rotatably supported by the generally stationary gantry (102), that rotates about a longitudinal axis around an examination region. The medical imaging system further includes a radiation source (112) that emits a radiation beam that traverses the examination region. The radiation source (112) is moveably affixed to the rotating gantry (106) so as to translate in a direction of the longitudinal axis with respect to the rotating gantry (106) while scanning a subject in the examination region. The medical imaging system further includes a detector array (120) that detects the radiation beam that traverses the examination region and generates a signal indicative thereof. The detector array (120) is moveably affixed to the rotating gantry (106) so as to move in coordination with the radiation source (112) while scanning the subject in the examination region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for influencing and/or detecting magnetic particles in a field of view (28), in particular for magnetic particle imaging (MPI). The proposed apparatus comprises selection means for generating a magnetic selection field (50) and drive means for generating a magnetic drive field for moving a field-free point along a predetermined trajectory through the field of view so that the magnetization of the magnetic material changes locally.