Abstract: A system for controlling operation of an imaging or therapy apparatus. The system comprises an interface (IN) for receiving a pain measurement signal as measured by one or more sensors (S) in relation to an anatomic part (BR) of the patient (PAT) i) being imaged in an imaging procedure by the imaging apparatus or ii) being under therapy in a therapy procedure delivered by the therapy device, whilst the part (BR) is held in an adjustable fixation device (FD). A control unit (CU) of the system is configured to process the pain measurement signal to compute at least one control signal. A control interface (CIF) of the system is configured to interact during the imaging or therapy procedure with the imaging apparatus (IA) and/or the fixation device (FD) based on the control signal to a) influence the imaging or therapy procedure and/or b) to adjust the fixation device so as to change the manner in which the part (BR) is being held.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of manufacturing a structured grating, a corresponding structured grating component (1) and an imaging system. The method comprising the steps of: providing (110, 120, 130) a catalyst (30) on a substrate (20), the catalyst (20) having a grating pattern; growing (140) nanostructures (50) on the catalyst (30) so as to form walls (52) and trenches (54) based on the grating pattern; and filling (160) the trenches (54) between the walls (52) of nanostructures (50) using an X-ray absorbing material (70). The invention provides an improved method for manufacturing a structured grating and such structured grating component (1), which is particularly suitable for dark-field X-ray imaging or phase-contrast imaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus (10) for generating X-ray imaging data. It is described to position (210) a first grating between an X-ray source and a second grating. The second grating is positioned (220) between the first grating and a third grating. A third grating is positioned (230) between the second grating and an X-ray detector. An object is positioned (240) between the first grating and the third grating. At least one of the three gratings has a pitch attribute of having a constant grating pitch. At least one of the three gratings has a pitch attribute of having a varying grating pitch. Both gratings of an adjacent pair of gratings are bent such that a distance between the two adjacent gratings is constant as a function of fan angle. Both gratings of the adjacent pair of gratings that are bent have the same pitch attribute. An X-ray detector detects (250) at least some of the X-rays transmitted by the three gratings and the object.

Abstract: The invention may improve image quality of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The invention is directed to a coil arrangement (200) for magnetic resonance imaging. It comprises a base structure having a variable shape, an RF coil arranged on or in the base structure, an actuator means at least partially extending along the base structure such that the base structure is deformable along and/or about at least one axis, a position detecting means adapted to detect a current position of at least a portion of the subject to be examined relative to the RF coil, and control means coupled to the position detecting means and the actuator means, wherein the control means is adapted to adjust the shape of the base structure to maintain a contact of an outer surface of the base structure (210) and/or the RF coil (220) with the at least portion of the subject by driving the actuator means in response to a detected change of the current position relative to a previous position.

Abstract: An X-ray source (10) for emitting an X-ray beam (101) is proposed. The X-ray source (10) comprises an anode (12) and an emitter arrangement (14) comprising a cathode (16) for emitting an electron beam (15) towards the anode (12) and an electron optics (18) for focusing the electron beam (15) at a focal spot (20) on the anode (12). The X-ray source (10) further comprises a controller (22) configured to determine a switching action of the emitter arrangement (14) and to actuate the emitter arrangement (14) to perform the switching action, the switching action being associated with a change of at least one of a position of the focal spot (20) on the anode (12), a size of the focal spot (20), and a shape of the focal spot (20). The controller (22) is further configured to predict before the switching action is performed, based on the determined switching action, the size and the shape of the focal spot (20) expected after the switching action.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (1) for determining positioning data for an X-ray image acquisition device (2) on a mobile patient support unit (3), the device comprising: a processing unit (10); and a status detector (11); wherein the status detector (11) is configured to acquire geometry data and type data of a mobile patient support unit (3) and of an X-ray image acquisition device (2) on the mobile patient support unit (3), and to transmit a status signal comprising the geometry data and the type data; wherein the processing unit (10) is configured to receive the status signal and data about region of interest position on the patient; and wherein, based on the status signal and the region of interest position, the processing unit (10) is configured to determine positioning and alignment data for an X-ray image acquisition device (2) on the mobile patient support unit (3), and to provide an image acquisition protocol for the X-ray image acquisition device (2).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for aligning an X-ray grating to an X-ray radiation source, the device (10) comprising at least two flat X-ray grating segments (11-19); at least one alignment unit (31-39) for aligning one of the at least two flat X-ray grating segments; wherein the at least two flat X-ray grating segments (11-19) are arranged in juxtaposition and are forming an X-ray grating (20); wherein the at least two flat X-ray grating segments (11-19) each comprise a grating surface (41-49) for X-ray radiation, each grating surface (41-49) comprising a geometrical center; wherein normals (21-29) to each of the grating surfaces (41-49) define a common plane (73), wherein the normals (21-29) intersect the geometrical center of the grating surface (41-49); wherein at least a first of the at least two flat X-ray grating segments (11-19) is rotatable around an axis (131-139) that is perpendicular to the common plane (73); and wherein the first of the at least two flat X-ray grating segments (11-19)

Abstract: The present invention relates to a grating in X-ray imaging. In order to provide a grating with a facilitated stabilization, a grating (10) for X-ray imaging is provided that comprises a grating structure (12) with a first plurality of bar members (14) and a second plurality of gaps (16). A fixation structure (18) is arranged between the bar members to stabilize the grating bar members. The bar members are extending in a length direction (20) and in a height direction (22). The bar members are also spaced from each other by one of the gaps in a direction transverse to the height direction. The gaps are arranged in a gap direction parallel to the length direction. The fixation structure comprises a plurality of bridging web members (24) that are provided between adjacent bar members. Further, the web members are longitudinal web members that are extending in the gap direction and that are provided in an inclined manner in relation to the height direction. The inclination is provided in the gap direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating dual energy X-ray imaging data. It is described to position (210) an X-ray detector relative to an X-ray source such that at least a part of a region between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector is an examination region for accommodating an object. A grid filter is positioned (220) between the examination region and the X-ray source. The X-ray source produces (230) a focal spot on a target to produce X-rays. The X-ray source moves (240) the focal spot in a first direction across a surface of the target. The grid filter has a structure in a first orientation such that the movement of the focal spot in the first direction results in an associated change in an intensity of X-rays transmitted by the grid filter. The X-ray source moves (250) the focal spot in a second direction across the surface of the target that is orthogonal to the first direction.

Abstract: An X-ray source (10) for emitting an X-ray beam (101) is proposed. The X- ray source (10) comprises an anode (12) and an emitter arrangement (14) comprising a cathode (16) for emitting an electron beam (15) towards the anode (12) and an electron optics (18) for focusing the electron beam (15) at a focal spot (20) on the anode (12). The X-ray source (10) further comprises a controller (22) configured to determine a switching action of the emitter arrangement (14) and to actuate the emitter arrangement (14) to perform the switching action, the switching action being associated with a change of at least one of a position of the focal spot (20) on the anode (12), a size of the focal spot (20), and a shape of the focal spot (20). The controller (22) is further configured to predict before the switching action is performed, based on the determined switching action, the size and the shape of the focal spot (20) expected after the switching action.

Abstract: An interventional X-ray system is proposed, the system including a multi X-ray source unit positioned below a patient table. This ‘multiblock’ may comprise several x-ray sources with focal spot positions distributed along the x-y (table) plane. The x-ray sources are operable in a switching scheme in which certain x-ray sources may be activated in parallel and also sequential switching between such groups is intended. The switching may be carried out so that several images with different projection angles can be acquired in parallel. In other words, an optimal multi-beam X-ray exposure is suggested, wherein fast switching in one dimension and simultaneous exposure in the 2nd dimension is applied.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for anodized oxidation of an anode element for a curved X-ray grating, the device (10) comprising: an anode element (12); a cathode element (14); an electrolytic medium (16); a conductor element (18); and a carrier element (20); wherein the anode element (12) comprises a first side (11) and a second side (13), wherein the second side (13) faces opposite to the first side (11); wherein the carrier element (20) comprises a curved surface section (21) that extends along a curvature around a center of curvature (30); wherein the carrier element (20) is configured to receive the second side (13) of the anode element (12) for attaching the conductor element (18) to the first side (11) of the anode element (12); wherein the curved surface section (21) is configured to receive the conductor element (18) after detaching the second side (13) of the anode element (12) from the carrier element (20); wherein the electrolytic medium (16) is configured to connect the anode element (

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating dual energy X-ray imaging data. It is described to position an X-ray detector relative to an X-ray source such that at least a part of a region between the X-ray source and the X-ray detector is an examination region for accommodating an object. A grid filter is positioned (220) between the examination region and the X-ray source. The X-ray source produces (230) a focal spot on a target to produce X-rays. The X-ray source moves (240) the focal spot in a first direction across a surface of the target. The grid filter has a structure in a first orientation such that the movement of the focal spot in the first direction results in an associated change in an intensity of X-rays transmitted by the grid filter. The X-ray source moves (250) the focal spot in a second direction across the surface of the target that is orthogonal to the first direction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to customized creation of implants. In order to provide implants with improved adaptation, a device (10) for customized implant data set creation is provided. The device comprises an input interface (12) and an output interface (14); and a processing unit (16). The input interface is configured to provide a musculoskeletal system data set (18) of a patient to the processing unit into which an implant is to be inserted. For manufacturing a customized implant, the processing unit is configured to generate a customized implant data set (19) based on the musculoskeletal system data set.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mobile X-ray device, comprising: a housing with an X-ray source arranged therein, a sensor system comprising one or more sensors for aligning the X-ray source to an object to be scanned and/or detecting at least one extrinsic object in a predefined area in a vicinity of the X-ray beam of the X-ray source; a processor unit comprising determining the alignment of the X-ray source and the object to be scanned based on signals received from the sensor system; image acquisition for generating an X-ray image; activating a blockage signal for the mobile X-ray device based on signals received from the sensor system; and an interface for outputting the generated X-ray image and/or information; wherein image acquisition is blocked, if the sensor system signals one of the following: at least one extrinsic object is detected within the predefined area; lack of alignment between the X-ray source and the object to be scanned.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for aligning an X-ray grating to an X-ray radiation source, the device (10) comprising at least two flat X-ray grating segments (11-19); at least one alignment unit (31-39) for aligning one of the at least two flat X-ray grating segments; wherein the at least two flat X-ray grating segments (11-19) are arranged in juxtaposition and are forming an X-ray grating (20); wherein the at least two flat X-ray grating segments (11-19) each comprise a grating surface (41-49) for X-ray radiation, each grating surface (41-49) comprising a geometrical center; wherein normals (21-29) to each of the grating surfaces (41-49) define a common plane (73), wherein the normals (21-29) intersect the geometrical center of the grating surface (41-49); wherein at least a first of the at least two flat X-ray grating segments (11-19) is rotatable around an axis (131-139) that is perpendicular to the common plane (73); and wherein the first of the at least two flat X-ray grating segments (11-19)

Abstract: The described implementations relate to systems, methods, and apparatuses for providing segmented models of objects that have been rendered in three-dimensional space. Furthermore, the segmented models can be automatically assigned connectors for allowing the models to be assembled and disassembled. The models can be generated based on object data generated from scans of an object, such as an anatomical body. A selected area of interest can be selected from the object data, and the object data can be cropped in order to provide a more concise volume from which to generate a model, such as at a 3D printer. The structure characterized by the object data can be processed to determine suitable locations for connectors that can allow the model to be disassembled while also providing an unobstructed view of the selected area of interest.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for supporting X-ray imaging. The apparatus comprises an input interface (IN) for receiving an X-radiation scatter measurement obtained by an X-ray sensor (SXi) during operation of an X-ray imager (XI) for imaging a first object (PAT). A predictor component (PC) is configured to predict, based on said measurement, whether or not: i) a second object (P) is present, or ii) there is sufficient X-ray exposure of said first object (PAT). The apparatus comprises an output interface (OUT) for outputting a predictor signal indicative of an outcome of said prediction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for determining an effective energy spectrum of an X-ray tube. It is described to provide (210) a temporally varying acceleration voltage of an X-ray tube for a time period. A temporally varying X-ray tube current is also provided (220) for the time period. At least one product of the temporally varying X-ray tube current and a time interval is determined (230). An effective energy spectrum of the X-ray tube processing the X-ray tube is determined (250) as a function of the at least one product of the temporally varying X-ray tube current and the time interval and as a function of the voltage of the X-ray tube.

Abstract: An apparatus (M) and related method for supporting X-ray imaging. The apparatus comprises an input interface (IN) for receiving a request to perform an X-ray exposure with an X-ray source (XR) of an X-ray imager (XI) to image an object (PAT). A compliance checker (CC) of the apparatus (M) is configured to check said request against an imaging safety protocol for said object to produce a safety compliance result. A safety enforcer (SE) of the apparatus is configured to issue, based on the safety compliance result, i) an alert signal and/or ii) a control signal to initiate a safety action that at least affect an impact of the requested X-ray exposure on the object.