Abstract: A method includes augmenting partially sampled field of view data using fully sampled field of view data.

Abstract: A CT Fluoro system which, in one embodiment, includes an integrated controller, image reconstruction algorithms for increasing the speed of image display, and an enhanced image display, is described. The integrated controller enables the radiologist to maintain control of the system throughout the fluoro scan. The image reconstruction algorithms are generally directed to increasing the image frame rate or reducing image artifacts, or both, in the CT fluoro scan. The image display generally provides enhanced images and control to the radiologist during a scan procedure.

Abstract: A method for deconvolving imaging data obtained in slices using an imaging system. The method includes steps of selecting a target slice sensitivity profile and determining a deconvolution kernel using the target slice sensitivity profile. This method allows an imaging system user to use singular value decomposition to achieve a desired slice sensitivity profile through imaging data deconvolution. Thus sub-millimeter slice thickness and improved image resolution are achieved without hardware modifications to existing imaging systems.

Abstract: In overlapping reconstruction for multi-slide spiral CT, adjacent slices of an object typically only have small differences. Based on this property, a progressive updating approach for volumetric ct image reconstruction includes a method and apparatus to use the well-known ordered subset expectation maximization (OSEM) formula or other iterative algorithms for spiral CT overlapping reconstruction. The imaging geometry is assumed to be single-slice helical/spiral scanning. To start with, a complete set of projections is synthesized via linear interpolation of data associated with opposite rays for reconstruction of the first slice. Then, new data are incrementally utilized for reconstruction of subsequent slices by updating the previous slice using the OSEM approach. To overcome accumulative errors, traditional reconstruction from a complete set of projections is performed when it is necessary as is determined by dynamically monitoring the relevant errors.

Abstract: A multi-slice computed tomography imaging system (10) is provided including a source (18) generating a x-ray beam (32). A detector array (20) receives the x-ray beam (32) and generates projection data. A translating table (22) having an object (12) thereon is operable to translate in relation to the source (18) and the detector array (20). The source (18) and the detector array (20) rotate about the translating table (22) as to helically scan the object (12). An image reconstructor (44) is electrically coupled to the detector array (20). The reconstructor (44) determines a set of conjugate samples from the projection data and reconstructs an image by interpolating a set of projections corresponding to at least one plane of reconstruction in response to the set of conjugate samples, using convolutional scaling to produce a set of final weights. A method of reconstructing an image of an object for the imaging system (10) is also provided.

Abstract: A method for reconstructing an image of an object includes generating a plurality of projection data, helically interpolating the projection data, rebinning the helically interpolated projection data from a fan-beam format to a parallel-beam format, and reconstructing an image of the object using the parallel-beam format projection data.

Abstract: An imaging system is provided including a source generating an x-ray beam and a detector array receiving the x-ray beam and generating projection data corresponding to at least a scanned portion of an object. An image reconstructor is electrically coupled to said detector array and reconstructs an image of the scanned portion of the object for a full field-of-view in response to said projection data using a dual iterative reconstruction technique. The dual iterative reconstruction technique includes reconstructing the full field-of-view using a first resolution and reconstructing a region-of-interest within the full FOV using a second resolution. A method is also provided for reconstructing an image using projection data from such an imaging system.

Abstract: A method including detecting components of plaque using a multi-energy computed tomography (MECT) system is provided.

Abstract: A method for operating a radiation source includes providing a radiation source, providing a detector, and operating the radiation source and the detector such that the detector receives a substantially homogenous noise distribution.

Abstract: A method for obtaining data includes acquiring Computed Tomography (CT) scout data at a Z location with a first x-ray spectrum, and acquiring CT scout data at the Z with a second x-ray spectrum different from the first x-ray spectrum.

Abstract: A method for obtaining data includes scanning at least one of a head of a patient and a neck of the patient with a Multi-Energy Computed Tomography (MECT) system to acquire data.

Abstract: A method includes calculating a sum of all samples at each projection view of a scan of an object, determining a maximum value of the calculated sums, averaging a plurality of samples m at a projection view index k when the sum of all samples at index k is less than a predetermined percentage of the maximum value, comparing the average to a threshold t, determining the projection truncated when the average is greater than t, and determining the projection not truncated when the average is not greater than t.

Abstract: A method includes augmenting partially sampled field of view data using fully sampled field of view data.

Abstract: The present technique provides a method and system for generating and processing image data based upon analysis of an initial image by a computer aided diagnosis (CAD) algorithm. The CAD algorithm may perform various types of analysis, including segmentation, edge and structure identification. The post-processing may enhance the view of a feature of interest in the image as identified by the CAD analysis. Further processing of the image data may be performed to further enhance the image. Image enhancement may include highlighting the feature of interest, changing the spatial resolution (e.g. zooming in or out) of the reconstructed image, and so forth.

Abstract: A method includes scanning an object in a first modality having a first field of view to obtain first modality data including fully sampled field of view data and partially sampled field of view data. The method also includes scanning the object in a second modality having a second field of view larger than the first field of view of obtain second modality data, and reconstructing an image of the object using the second modality data and the first modality partially sampled field of view data.

Abstract: The present invention, in one form, includes a digital x-ray imaging system which, in one embodiment, collects projection data from a plurality of views and reduces artifacts caused by detector residual signals. More specifically and in one embodiment, volumetric images are generated by collecting projection data for a plurality of views. During inactive periods between the collection of projection data for adjacent views, the x-ray emission is stopped and each detector pixel is simultaneously energized to reduce a residual signal of each pixel. As a result, projection data for a subsequent view is not biased by the residual signal from a previous view.

Abstract: A method of automatically optimizing medical three-dimensional visualizations is providing, including isolating a plurality of anatomical structures within the medical three-dimensional visualization (40), calculating the number of ray intersects, that intersect more than one of the plurality of anatomical structures, for a plurality of casting angles (42), selecting an optimum casting angle that minimizes said ray intersects from one of said plurality casting angles (44), and displaying the optimized medical three-dimensional visualization from said optimized casting angle (48).

Abstract: The invention provides a technique for acquiring subsequent image data in a medical diagnostic context based upon analysis of initial image data. The initial image data is processed via a computer aided diagnosis algorithm to determine whether additional image data acquisition is appropriate. Subsequent acquisition processes may be performed on the same imaging system from which the initial image data originated, or a different imaging system. The imaging systems may also be of different modalities. The subsequent acquisition of image data may be performed automatically without operator intervention, or the prescribed subsequent acquisition sequence may be outputted by the system for execution upon command of an operator.

Abstract: A method for generating a simulated patient image is disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the method includes obtaining image data from an actual patient image and generating simulated noise data. The image data is then combined with the simulated noise data to create the simulated patient image. In one aspect, scan data from the actual patient image is combined with the generated simulated noise data to create pre-image data, and the pre-image data is then reconstructed to create simulated image data. In another aspect, a set of individual noise pattern images for each a plurality of phantom objects is created. At least one of the individual noise pattern images is selected for combination with the actual patient image. The at least one selected individual noise pattern image is then combined with the actual patient image, thereby creating the simulated patient image.

Abstract: A system and method of acquiring x-ray data, comprising: acquiring a series of x-ray data for generating at least one x-ray image using an x-ray detector to receive x-ray beams from an x-ray source, wherein an object being imaged is displaced along an axis, the axis extending perpendicularly through a plane defined by the x-ray beams, wherein the displacement occurs at, at least one of a constant, accelerating, and decelerating rates; varying the rate of displacement thus enabling the x-ray detector to acquire data for at least one x-ray image during accelerating or decelerating displacement; and employing current modulation.