Abstract: A three-dimensional resolution gauge for evaluating performance of a tomographic imaging system includes a series of groupings of 3-dimensional line pairs. All of the line pairs are oriented at a common set acute angle relative to a reference x-y imaging plane. The frequency of the line pairs of respective groupings of the series vary from highest density to lowest density corresponding to fine resolution and coarse resolution, respectively. Imaging of the series of groupings by the tomographic imaging system provides, in a single scan, a simultaneous visualization of combined effects of x-y in-plane resolution and slice thickness z direction resolution.

Abstract: A phantom for image quality assessment of digital breast tomosynthesis apparatus includes at least one set of beads arranged as a first ramp and as a second ramp in respective proximate parallel vertical planes in a reverse staircase pattern along a vertical direction with a final bead of the first ramp and an initial bead of the second ramp being located at substantially the same intermediate height within the phantom. The beads and additional test objects may be positioned in non-overlapping locations within the phantom to facilitate determination of multiple image quality parameters with a single scanning sequence of the phantom.

Abstract: A three-dimensional resolution gauge for evaluating performance of a tomographic imaging system includes a series of groupings of 3-dimensional line pairs. All of the line pairs are oriented at a common set acute angle relative to a reference x-y imaging plane. The frequency of the line pairs of respective groupings of the series vary from highest density to lowest density corresponding to fine resolution and coarse resolution, respectively. Imaging of the series of groupings by the tomographic imaging system provides, in a single scan, a simultaneous visualization of combined effects of x-y in-plane resolution and slice thickness z direction resolution.

Abstract: A phantom for image quality assessment of digital breast tomosynthesis apparatus includes at least one set of beads arranged as a first ramp and as a second ramp in respective proximate parallel vertical planes in a reverse staircase pattern along a vertical direction with a final bead of the first ramp and an initial bead of the second ramp being located at substantially the same intermediate height within the phantom. The beads and additional test objects may be positioned in non-overlapping locations within the phantom to facilitate determination of multiple image quality parameters with a single scanning sequence of the phantom.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for use with a tomographic imaging device. A test object comprising a plurality of angled ramps may be provided to facilitate evaluating performance of the tomographic imaging device. A method for evaluating performance of a tomographic imaging device includes scanning the test object to produce a tomographic slice image and performing analysis on a waveform profile extracted from the image, to determine spatial performance of the tomographic imaging device. A tomographic imaging device may be provided comprising a scanning device and a data processing unit for performing a method of evaluating performance of the tomographic imaging device.

Abstract: CT scanning of transportation containers is performed by generating X-rays at various points at the opposite sides of the containers, detecting the X-rays passing through the containers, and analyzing the data received to determine the presence of contraband. The X-rays are generated by modulating a magnetic field through which a high-energy electron beam passes to deflect the beam successively to different targets positioned around the sides of the container, while the electron beam source remains stationary. The X-rays are detected by an array of cells using X-ray responsive storage phosphor material to emit light which is sent to analyzing and comparing equipment. The targets and detectors and the cargo container are moved relative to one another to scan a selected volume of the container.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are provided for use with a tomographic imaging device. A test object comprising a plurality of angled ramps may be provided to facilitate evaluating performance of the tomographic imaging device. A method for evaluating performance of a tomographic imaging device includes scanning the test object to produce a tomographic slice image and performing analysis on a waveform profile extracted from the image, to determine spatial performance of the tomographic imaging device. A tomographic imaging device may be provided comprising a scanning device and a data processing unit for performing a method of evaluating performance of the tomographic imaging device.

Abstract: CT scanning of transportation containers is performed by generating X-rays at various points at the opposite sides of the containers, detecting the X-rays passing through the containers, and analyzing the data received to determine the presence of contraband. The X-rays are generated by modulating a magnetic field through which a high-energy electron beam passes to deflect the beam successively to different targets positioned around the sides of the container, while the electron beam source remains stationary. The X-rays are detected by an array of cells using X-ray responsive storage phosphor material to emit light which is sent to analyzing and comparing equipment. The targets and detectors and the cargo container are moved relative to one another to scan a selected volume of the container.

Abstract: CT scanning of transportation containers is performed by generating X-rays at various points at the opposite sides of the containers, detecting the X-rays passing through the containers, and analyzing the data received to determine the presence of contraband. The X-rays are generated by modulating a magnetic field through which a high-energy electron beam passes to deflect the beam successively to different targets positioned around the sides of the container, while the electron beam source remains stationary. The X-rays are detected by an array of cells using X-ray responsive storage phosphor material to emit light which is sent to analyzing and comparing equipment. The targets and detectors and the cargo container are moved relative to one another to scan a selected volume of the container.

Abstract: CT scanning of transportation containers is performed by generating X-rays at various points at the opposite sides of the containers, detecting the X-rays passing through the containers, and analyzing the data received to determine the presence of contraband. The X-rays are generated by modulating a magnetic field through which a high-energy electron beam passes to deflect the beam successively to different targets positioned around the sides of the container, while the electron beam source remains stationary. The X-rays are detected by an array of cells using X-ray responsive storage phosphor material to emit light which is sent to analyzing and comparing equipment. The targets and detectors and the cargo container are moved relative to one another to scan a selected volume of the container.

Abstract: A radiation phantom comprising a solid opaque housing having an inner chamber is provided within which a test pattern for quantifying image quality, and at least one dosimeter for simultaneously measuring radiation dosage are randomly disposed. A tamper proof means is connected to the opaque housing such that the test pattern and the at least one dosimeter are unviewable and unaccessible within the chamber. Thus, the test pattern and the at least one dosimeter are "interlocked" within the radiation phantom housing such that the radiation phantom can be employed to accurately evaluate off-site a radiation machine's imaging of the radiation phantom without requiring the presence of an independent qualified technician on-site during irradiation of the phantom.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a spherical test body for determining the operating characteristics of an image reconstructing apparatus comprising a hollow spherical first housing positionable within the apparatus, a second housing, means for positioning the second housing within the spherical first housing, and means for determining the operating characteristics, the latter means positioned within the second housing. The spherical test body of the subject invention can be used to determine the operating characteristics of any apparatus which reconstructs an image of the interior of a human across a plane at any angle.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a means for testing the operating characteristics of an image reconstructing apparatus, the means including a high resolution gauge for determining the resolution of the apparatus and including a bead which is adapted for testing the modulation transfer function of the apparatus. A method of producing the high resolution gauge is also provided.

Abstract: A method for measuring the CT numbers of an in vivo tissues includes the steps of calculating a histogram of a region including the tissue, locating a leading edge of a peak within the histogram, substracting CT numbers assumed to result from background and intermixing of tissues, fitting the background-substracted peak to a gaussian distribution, and calculating the mode of the resulting peak. Whe the CT numbers of two different tissues having know densities are measured according to the method of the invention, the CT numbers may be used to obtain a standard for analyzing tissues of unknow density. The method can be implemented by means of a CT scanner, a computer, and appropriate software.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus provides rotationally symmetric, Gaussian-like focal spot distributions. The apparatus may be constituted by an X-ray tube having a glass envelope, a cathode in the form of a filament for providing thermionically emitted electrons and an anode. The anode is of conical shape and can be rotated. The cathode is arranged to be rotated about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the filament and passing through its central point. The apparatus may be constituted by a conventional X-ray tube which is rotatable about an axis coaxial with the central ray of the X-ray field which emerges from the tube. The apparatus may be constituted by a conventional X-ray tube, which is stationary, in combination with a mechanism which effects rotation of the X-ray image receptor and the object being to be examined about an axis coaxial with the central ray of the X-ray field.

Abstract: An X-ray apparatus provides rotationally symmetric, Gaussian-like focal spot distributions. The apparatus may be constituted by an X-ray tube having a glass envelope, a cathode in the form of a filament for providing thermionically emitted electrons and an anode. The anode is of conical shape and can be rotated. The cathode is arranged to be rotated about an axis perpendicular to the plane of the filament and passing through its central point. The apparatus may be constituted by a conventional X-ray tube which is rotatable about an axis coaxial with the central ray of the X-ray field which emerges from the tube. The apparatus may be constituted by a conventional X-ray tube, which is stationary, in combination with a mechanism which effects rotation of the X-ray image receptor and the object being to be examined about an axis coaxial with the central ray of the X-ray field.