Abstract: An image signal processing system (ISP) comprising an input interface (IN) for receiving photon counting projection data acquired by an X-ray imaging apparatus (IA) having a photon counting detector (D). A calibration data memory (CMEM) of the system holds calibration data. The calibration data encodes photon counting data versus path lengths curves for different energy thresholds of i) said detector (D) or ii) of a different detector. At least one of said curves is not one-to-one. A path length convertor (PLC) of the system converts an entry in said photon counting projection data into an associated path length based on said calibration data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photon scanning apparatus comprising a photon source (2) to emit a photon beam (4), a photon detector (6) to detect photons emitted from the photon source (2). The photon source (2) is adapted to emit the photon beam (4) in accordance with a predetermined pulse width modulation scheme at a predetermined flux rate, wherein the pulse width modulation scheme defines pulse widths of the photon beam (4) for respective positions of the photon source (2) and the photon detector around a central axis (R) and an object to be scanned. The photon detector (6) is adapted to start detecting photons with a delay relative to the photon source starting to emit photons and to finish detecting photons prior to the photon source stopping to emit photons. The photon scanning apparatus thus only has to be calibrated for the predetermined flux rate.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a radiation source (108) configured to rotate about an examination region (106) and emit radiation that traverses the examination region. The imaging system further includes an array of radiation sensitive pixels (112) configured to detect radiation traversing the examination region and output a signal indicative of the detected radiation. The array of radiation sensitive pixels is disposed opposite the radiation source, across the examination region. The imaging system further includes a rigid flux filter device (130) disposed in the examination region between the radiation source and the radiation sensitive detector array of photon counting pixels. The rigid flux filter device is configured to filter the radiation traversing the examination region and incident thereon. The radiation leaving the rigid flux filter device has a predetermined flux.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus with an interferometer (IF) and an X-ray detector (D). A footprint of the X-ray detector (D) is larger than a footprint of the interferometer (IF). The interferometer is moved in scan motion across the detector (D) whilst the detector (D) remains stationary. Preferably the detector is a 2D full field detector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detection device for X-rays, an imaging system and a method for detecting electro-magnetic radiation using a detection device for X-rays, wherein an estimate of an incomplete measurement is acquired prior to a discontinuity of the electromagnetic radiation, wherein the discontinuity is a change or interruption in a beam or in an intensity of the electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method (500) for determining a spectral scan protocol for acquiring a computed tomography (CT) image using a CT scanner and a corresponding apparatus (600). The method (500) comprises the steps of defining (510) a conventional scan protocol having scan restrictions for acquiring a conventional CT image; determining (520) a spectral scan protocol comprising a proportion of a first acquisition mode (201) and a proportion of a second acquisition mode (202), wherein the spectral scan protocol resembles the conventional scan protocol; and determining (520) the proportion of the first acquisition mode (201) and the proportion of the second acquisition mode (202) so that the scan restrictions of the conventional scan protocol are met. The method (500) and corresponding apparatus allows the determination of spectral scan protocols which reduce spectral scan mode restrictions.

Abstract: An image signal processing system (ISP) comprising an input interface (IN) for receiving photon counting projection data acquired by an X-ray imaging apparatus (IA) having a photon counting detector (D). A calibration data memory (CMEM) of the system holds calibration data. The calibration data encodes photon counting data versus path lengths curves for different energy thresholds of i) said detector (D) or ii) of a different detector. At least one of said curves is not one-to-one. A path length convertor (PLC) of the system converts an entry in said photon counting projection data into an associated path length based on said calibration data.

Abstract: A source grating structure (G0) for interferometric X-ray imaging cable of generating a non-uniform intensity profile behind a surface (S) of the grating structure when exposed to X-ray radiation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a CT imaging system as well as a method for CT imaging is provided. For CT imaging, in practice a scout scan and a main scan of a human subject may be performed. It has been found that a detector signal, provided by a detector which detects the X-ray radiation during the scout scan, may be used on the one hand for determining a respective scout image and on the other hand to determine the bone mineral density of the human subject. Although the scout scan is usually primarily performed for determining the scout image, it is of advantage, if the detector used for detecting the X-ray radiation during the scout scan is formed and/or configured to detect X-ray radiation of a first energy spectrum and to detect X-ray radiation of a different, second energy spectrum. In this case, the detector can provide more precise information about the scout region of the human subject and resulting therefrom in a more precise determination of the bone mineral density.

Abstract: A method of an image processing apparatus for identifying a type of adipose body tissue within a subject, based on performing a spectral computed tomography (CT) scan of a region of interest of the subject; and using a combination of different image processing techniques to differentiate between at least two adipose tissue types within the region of interest.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating X-rays. It is described to produce (210) with a power supply (30) a voltage. A cathode (22) of an X-ray source (20) is positioned (220) relative to an anode (24) of the X-ray source. Electrons are emitted (230) from the cathode. Electrons emitted from the cathode interact (240) with the anode with energies corresponding to the voltage. X-rays are generated (250) from the anode, wherein the electrons interact with the anode to generate the X-rays. The X-ray source is controlled (260), such that a plurality of first X-ray pulses is generated each having a first X-ray flux, wherein the first X-ray pulses are temporally separated from each other. The X-ray source is controlled (270), such that a least one second X-ray pulse is generated having a second X-ray flux that is substantially less than the first X-ray flux, wherein the at least one second X-ray pulse is generated temporally between consecutive pulses of the first X-ray pulses.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photon scanning apparatus comprising a photon source (2) to emit a photon beam (4), a photon detector (6) to detect photons emitted from the photon source (2). The photon source (2) is adapted to emit the photon beam (4) in accordance with a predetermined pulse width modulation scheme at a predetermined flux rate, wherein the pulse width modulation scheme defines pulse widths of the photon beam (4) for respective positions of the photon source (2) and the photon detector around a central axis (R) and an object to be scanned. The photon detector (6) is adapted to start detecting photons with a delay relative to the photon source starting to emit photons and to finish detecting photons prior to the photon source stopping to emit photons. The photon scanning apparatus thus only has to be calibrated for the predetermined flux rate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for generating X-rays. It is described to produce (210) with a power supply (40) at least two voltages between at least one cathode (20) and an anode (30), wherein the at least two voltages comprises a first voltage and a second voltage. The at least one cathode is positioned relative to the anode. Electrons are emitted (220) from the at least one cathode. Electrons emitted from the at least one cathode are interacted (230) with the anode with energies corresponding to the at least two voltages. X-rays are generated (230) from the anode, wherein the electrons interact with the anode to generate the X-rays. First X-rays are generated when the power supply produces the first voltage and second X-rays are generated when the power supply produces the second voltage. The power supply is controlled (250), such that a ratio between the first X-rays and the second X-rays is controllable.

Abstract: A method includes receiving radiation with a hybrid data detection system of an imaging system. The hybrid data detection system includes a hybrid data detector array with a set of spectral detectors and a set of integrating detectors that are arranged along a transverse axis of an examination region. The method further includes generating a set of truncated spectral projections with the first set of spectral detectors. The method further includes estimating a set of spectral projections for the integrating detectors. The method further includes combining the set of truncated spectral projections and the estimated set of spectral projections. The method further includes estimating a set of spectral projections based on the combined set to produce a complete set of spectral projections. The method further includes processing the complete set of spectral projections to generate volumetric image data.

Abstract: An anti-scatter grid (ASG) for X-ray imaging with a surface (S) formed from a plurality of strips (LAM). The plurality of strips including at least two guard strips (Li,L i+1) that are thicker in a direction parallel to said surface than one or more strips l(i) of said plurality of strips (LAM). The one or more strips (li) being situated in between said two guard strips (Li,Li+1).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of Computed Tomography imaging comprising: a. Performing a single acquisition of image data from at least two contrast agents into a blood vessel network, a first contrast agent among said at least two contrast agents having been in said blood vessel network for a longer time than a second contrast agent among said at least two contrast agents, b. Processing said image data using K-Edge detection and/or iodine delineation to separate data associated with each contrast agents in order to obtain a concentration map of each contrast agent, c. Determining from said image data a first part of the blood vessel network comprising both the first contrast agent and the second contrast agent, and a second part of the blood vessel network comprising only the first contrast agent, d. Calculating a partial blood volume map of the first part of the blood vessel network based on the total amount of second contrast agent and on the concentration map of the second contrast agent, e.

Abstract: A biomarker of lung condition can conventionally be obtained using a spirometer. A spirometer provides an estimate of the volume of air expelled by the lungs. This is a rather indirect biomarker of the staging of a lung condition, because a reduction in lung volume may only manifest itself at a point where symptoms are well advanced. A lung condition such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD) is typically not visible on conventional X-ray attenuation images, because the relevant tissue (alveoli-bearing microstructured lung tissue) contains a lot of air. The X-ray dark-field can successfully indicate microstructure, such as lung alveoli. Therefore, imaging the lungs using the dark-field can provide information on the status of COPD.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system (1) for assisting in assessing a state of a subject's lung. The system is adapted to process a dark field image, which comprises dark field values for different spatial positions and for different breathing state values, such that a differentiation image is generated by differentiating the provided dark field image with respect to the breathing state values. This differentiation can lead to a functional image which can be used for detecting changes of air-soft tissue interfaces, which might be caused by a lung disease, with high sensitivity. This allows for an improved assisting in assessing a state of a subject's lung.

Abstract: An image processing system comprising: an input port (IN) for receiving two input images acquired of an object. Respective contrast in said images encodes information on different physical properties of the object. The images being converted from a signal detected at a detector (D) of an imaging apparatus (IM). A differentiator of the image processing system forms respective differences from pairs of image points from the respective input images. An edge evaluator (EV) computes, based on said differences, an edge score for at least one of said pairs of image points. The score is based on a measure that represents or is derivable from a conditional noise likelihood function. The likelihood function is based on a probability density that models noise for said signal. Said score is output through an output port (OUT).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device (34) and a method (70) for determining a status of an X-ray tube (10) of an X-ray system (36). Due to ageing and/or wear of the X-ray tube, the spectrum of the X-ray radiation (30) provided by the X-ray tube may change over the operation time of the X-ray tube. The present invention therefore suggests evaluating spectrally different values detected with an X-ray detector arrangement (32) of the X-ray system. A reference data set representing a reference condition of the X-ray tube by a plurality of spectrally different reference-values (44) and a working data set representing an aged condition of the X-ray tube by a plurality of spectrally different working-values (46) of detected X-ray radiation are used to determine an equivalent filtration function for an filtration material influencing a source X-ray radiation (26) emitted by an anode (16) of the X-ray tube.