Abstract: An X-ray imaging system is provided. The X-ray imaging system includes a distributed X-ray source and a detector. The distributed X-ray source is configured to emit X-rays from a plurality of emission points arranged as a substantially linear segment, a substantially arcuate segment, a curvilinear segment, or a substantially non-planar surface and the detector is configured to generate a plurality of signals in response to X-rays incident upon the detector.

Abstract: A technique is provided for comparative image analysis and/or change detection using computer assisted detection and/or diagnosis (CAD) algorithms. The technique includes registering two or more images, comparing the images with one another to generate a change map, and detecting anomalies in the images based on the change map.

Abstract: A method of creating and displaying images resulting from digital tomosynthesis performed on a subject using a flat panel detector is disclosed. The method includes the step of acquiring a series of x-ray images of the subject, where each x-ray image is acquired at different angles relative to the subject. The method also includes the steps of applying a first set of corrective measures to the series of images, reconstructing the series of images into a series of slices through the subject, and applying a second set of corrective measures to the slices. The method further includes the step of displaying the images or slices according to at least one of a plurality of display options.

Abstract: A tomosynthesis system for forming a three dimensional image of an object is provided. The system includes an X-ray source adapted to irradiate the object with a beam of X-rays from a plurality of positions in a sector, an X-ray detector positioned relative to the X-ray source to detect X-rays transmitted through the object and a processor which is adapted to generate a three dimensional image of the object based on X-rays detected by the detector. The detector is adapted to move relative to the object and/or the X-ray source is adapted to irradiate the object with the beam of X-rays such that the beam of X-rays follows in a non arc shaped path and/or a center of the beam of X-rays impinges substantially on the same location on the detector from different X-ray source positions in the sector.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a compression paddle comprising a paddle base 12; and a paddle wall 20 comprising a first side-wall 22; and a second side-wall 24; wherein the first side-wall 22 and/or the second side-wall 24 are disposed upon the paddle base 12 and inclined with respect to the paddle base 12 at an angle that is effective to permit an x-ray beam uninterrupted access to an object of interest located on an opposing side of the paddle base 12 from an x-ray source when an angle between a central axis of the x-ray beam and a vertical taken at an inner surface of the first side-wall 22 and/or the inner surface of the second side-wall 24 is about 15 degrees to about 75 degrees.

Abstract: Briefly in accordance with one embodiment, the present technique provides a multi-energy tomosynthesis imaging system. The system includes an X-ray source configured to emit X-rays from multiple locations within a limited angular range relative to an imaging volume. The imaging system also includes a digital detector with an array of detector elements to generate images in response to the emitted X-rays. The imaging system further includes a detector acquisition circuitry to acquire the images from the digital detector. The imaging system may also include a processing circuitry configured to decompose plurality of images based on energy characteristics and to reconstruct the plurality of images to generate a three-dimensional multi-energy tomosynthesis image.

Abstract: A technique for directly reconstructing three-dimensional images acquired in tomosynthesis imaging is provided. The method allows for pre-processing a set of projection images based upon the acquisition geometry prior to direct reconstruction of the projection images. Furthermore, the technique allows for post-processing the reconstructed image data as desired to improve image quality. If desired the direct reconstruction process may be iterated a set number of times or until a desired threshold criteria is met, such as regarding image quality.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for generating three-dimensional images, such as may be used in mammography. In accordance with these techniques, projection images of an object of interest are acquired from different locations, such as by moving an X-ray source along an arbitrary imaging trajectory between emissions or by individually activating different X-ray sources located at different locations relative to the object of interest. The projection images may be reconstructed to generate a three-dimensional dataset representative of the object from which one or more volumes may be selected for visualization and display. Additional processing steps may occur throughout the image chain, such as for pre-processing the projection images or post-processing the three-dimensional dataset.

Abstract: A technique is provided for improving the depth resolution of tomosynthesis images. The technique provides for the use of spiral scan trajectories. The X-ray source may moved along the spiral scan trajectory, acquiring projection data at various locations on the trajectory which are offset in the z-direction, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the detector. Projection data acquired at different positions in the z-direction may be used to generate three-dimensional, tomosynthesis images having improved depth resolution.

Abstract: An imaging system for scanning a volume of interest in an object, the system includes a radiation source configured to traverse in a plurality of focal spot positions yielding a plurality of focal spot trajectories. Each focal spot trajectory defines a two dimensional focal spot projection in an image acquisition plane. Each of the focal spot positions comprise at least two positions at unequal distances from the image acquisition plane.

Abstract: A technique is provided for concurrently viewing volumes that may be rendered using visualization techniques incorporating one or more functions, such as depth-dependent weighting functions. In one aspect, the viewing technique may provide for the concurrent viewing of volumes, such as overlapping volumes, from different viewpoints. In accordance with this aspect, the relative position of display may convey the relative viewpoints. In addition, the viewing technique may provide for concurrently displaying volume renderings of a volume in which the volume renderings are generated using different functions, such as weighting and/or transfer functions. In this manner, the effect of the functions on visual properties of structures within the volume may be observed.

Abstract: An imaging system for scanning a volume of interest in an object, the system includes a radiation source configured to traverse in a plurality of focal spot positions, and a detector configured to acquire a plurality of acquisition images of the volume of interest in the object, wherein the detector is configured to translate beyond an edge of the detector for each focal spot position.

Abstract: A technique is provided for viewing a series of volumes that may be rendered using visualization techniques incorporating one or more weighting functions, such as depth-dependent weighting functions. In one aspect, the viewing technique may utilize such weighting functions to vary the volume of interest in a series of volume renderings. In addition, the viewing technique may provide for varying the viewing angle to minimize the effect of orientation specific artifacts in the displayed images.

Abstract: A technique is provided for generating a three-dimensional image from fluoroscopic projection images. The technique allows for the acquisition of fluoroscopic images at different perspectives relative to a region of interest. One or more three-dimensional images may then be reconstructed from the fluoroscopic projection images. The three-dimensional images may then be displayed to provide anatomic context for the fluoroscopic application. A fluoroscopic projection image, such as the most current fluoroscopic image, may be superimposed on the three-dimensional image if desired.

Abstract: A tomosynthesis system for scanning a region in an object comprises a radiation source configured to traverse in a plurality of positions yielding a plurality of scanning directions. Each of the plurality of positions corresponds to a respective scanning direction. Further, the plurality of scanning directions comprise at least a scanning direction along a first axis and a direction along a second axis, the second axis being transverse to the first axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods that utilize asymmetric geometry to acquire radiographic tomosynthesis images are described. Embodiments comprise tomosynthesis systems and methods for creating a reconstructed image of an object from a plurality of two-dimensional x-ray projection images. These systems comprise: an x-ray detector; and an x-ray source capable of emitting x-rays directed at the x-ray detector; wherein the tomosynthesis system utilizes asymmetric image acquisition geometry, where ?1??0, during image acquisition, wherein ?1 is a sweep angle on one side of a center line of the x-ray detector, and ?0 is a sweep angle on an opposite side of the center line of the x-ray detector, and wherein the total sweep angle, ?asym, is ?asym=?1+?0. Reconstruction algorithms may be utilized to produce reconstructed images of the object from the plurality of two-dimensional x-ray projection images.

Abstract: A method of creating and displaying images resulting from digital tomosynthesis performed on a subject using a flat panel detector is disclosed. The method includes the step of acquiring a series of x-ray images of the subject, where each x-ray image is acquired at different angles relative to the subject. The method also includes the steps of applying a first set of corrective measures to the series of images, reconstructing the series of images into a series of slices through the subject, and applying a second set of corrective measures to the slices. The method further includes the step of displaying the images or slices according to at least one of a plurality of display options.

Abstract: A tomosynthesis system for scanning a region in an object comprises a radiation source configured to traverse in a plurality of positions yielding a plurality of scanning directions. Each of the plurality of positions corresponds to a respective scanning direction. Further, the plurality of scanning directions comprise at least a scanning direction along a first axis and a direction along a second axis, the second axis being transverse to the first axis.