Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cross calibration between two or more dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) systems. In one example, a calibration phantom is scanned along with a patient during a scanning sequence, with a first system, to obtain one or more coefficients that map pixel values retrieved from a phantom image from the phantom scan to image pixel values in the reconstructed patient image from the patient scan. The one or more coefficients may be utilized to adjust and/or compare BMD values of the patient obtained when the patient is scanned with a different system utilizing a phantom with similar composition and parameters as the calibration phantom.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for cross calibration between two or more dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) systems. In one example, a calibration phantom is scanned along with a patient during a scanning sequence, with a first system, to obtain one or more coefficients that map pixel values retrieved from a phantom image from the phantom scan to image pixel values in the reconstructed patient image from the patient scan. The one or more coefficients may be utilized to adjust and/or compare BMD values of the patient obtained when the patient is scanned with a different system utilizing a phantom with similar composition and parameters as the calibration phantom.

Abstract: A system for imaging an object via pre-shot processing is provided. The system includes an imaging device operative to image the object, and a controller in electronic communication with the imaging device. The controller is operative to acquire at least one pre-shot image of the object via the imaging device; and to generate, based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image, an indicator that corresponds to a likelihood that one or more diagnostic images of the object acquired via the imaging device will be medically deficient.

Abstract: An imaging system and related method are provided. The imaging system comprises a surface configured to support a portion of a patient's body, compression paddle configured to compress the portion of a patient's body against the surface, the compression paddle movable between an upper position and a lower position; and a compression control in direct or indirect communication with the compression paddle and configured to effectuate displacement of the compression paddle to any position between and including the upper position and the lower position upon receiving a patient input or command. The system may further comprise a feedback device configured to provide, to the patient, information indicative of the quality of the image that would be achieved at a corresponding compression paddle position to assist the patient in selecting a desirable compression paddle position.

Abstract: A method of obtaining x-ray images includes controlling operation of an automatic injector to inject a contrast agent into a patient at a predetermined time, synchronizing operations of an x-ray imaging system with the operation of the automatic injector, and obtaining images of a region of interest of the patient during arterial and diffusion phases of the contrast agent.

Abstract: A system for imaging an object via pre-shot processing is provided. The system includes an imaging device operative to image the object, and a controller in electronic communication with the imaging device. The controller is operative to acquire at least one pre-shot image of the object via the imaging device; and to generate, based at least in part on the at least one pre-shot image, an indicator that corresponds to a likelihood that one or more diagnostic images of the object acquired via the imaging device will be medically deficient.

Abstract: In the present invention, an imaging system and method for providing contrast-enhanced X-ray images of tissue includes an energy source in communication with a detector operable to generate radiological images of the tissue injected with the contrast agent, a display and a computer connected to the display and to receive the acquired images from the detector. The system is operable to acquire a number of first images of the contrast agent in the tissue, wherein the number of first images are single energy images, and a number of second images corresponding to the number of first images, wherein the second images are each a single energy image with an energy level opposite that for the first images. The first and second images are combined to generate a contrast-enhanced image with reduced exposure of the tissue and reduced time for completion of the procedure.

Abstract: A method of optimizing images of a patient utilizing a medical imaging device includes the steps of providing a medical imaging device having an x-ray source, an x-ray detector, a controller for adjusting the positions of the x-ray source and detector, an image reconstructor/generator connected to the x-ray detector to receive x-ray data and reconstruct an x-ray image, and a processor connected to the image reconstructor/generator and the controller to perform analyses on the x-ray image, acquiring a first data set S1 of images, processing the first data set S1 to reconstruct a first computerized data set D1, analyzing the first computerized data set D1, acquiring at least one additional data set Sn in response to the analysis of the first computerized data set D1 and processing the at least one additional data set Sn in combination with the first data set S1 to reconstruct an optimized computerized data set Dn.

Abstract: A method of obtaining x-ray images includes controlling operation of an automatic injector to inject a contrast agent into a patient at a predetermined time, synchronizing operations of an x-ray imaging system with the operation of the automatic injector, and obtaining images of a region of interest of the patient during arterial and diffusion phases of the contrast agent.

Abstract: A device and a related mammography method employing the device are described. The device comprises an x-ray source, an x-ray detector placed under a support plate for supporting an object and arranged to detect the x-rays coming from the x-ray source after they have passed through the object, and a positioning assembly with an arm having multiple degrees of freedom which is a collaborative robot for positioning the x-ray source with respect to the support plate. A method for performing an imaging procedure, which includes placing an object of interest on the support plate; moving the x-ray source relative to the object of interest along a non-planar trajectory to avoid collision with the object; and activating the x-ray source and the x-ray detector so as to detect the x-rays coming from the x-ray source after they have passed through the object, thus obtaining a set of x-ray images.

Abstract: An imaging system and related method are provided. The imaging system comprises a surface configured to support a portion of a patient's body, compression paddle configured to compress the portion of a patient's body against the surface, the compression paddle movable between an upper position and a lower position; and a compression control in direct or indirect communication with the compression paddle and configured to effectuate displacement of the compression paddle to any position between and including the upper position and the lower position upon receiving a patient input or command. The system may further comprise a feedback device configured to provide, to the patient, information indicative of the quality of the image that would be achieved at a corresponding compression paddle position to assist the patient in selecting a desirable compression paddle position.

Abstract: Method and system for obtaining tomosynthesis and material decomposition images of an object of interest using a system comprising an x-ray source facing a detector. The method comprises generating a 2D material decomposition image of an object of interest from at least two sets of acquisitions. Each set is performed at a different energy spectrum and comprises at least one projection image or a plurality of projection images acquired at different x-ray source angulation positions, and the 2D material decomposition image can be generated for a predetermined orientation selected from one of said different x-ray source angulation positions or from a virtual orientation. At least one of the plurality of 3D volume portion images and/or the 2D contrast enhanced material decomposition image are displayed for review by a health care professional.

Abstract: A breast imaging system comprising an imaging apparatus with an illumination source, a detector, a breast support, a compression paddle slidable between an upper position and an lower position relatively to the detector, a compression command displacing the compression paddle upon actuation, wherein the compression command is placed at a reachable distance from the patient, wherein the breast imaging system further comprises a feedback device giving feedback information perceivable by the patient, the feedback information varying according to the position of the compression paddle.

Abstract: A device for assisting with the handling of an instrument or tool, the device comprising a jointed mechanical structure on a support, wherein an instrument or tool may be attached, motor drives configured to actuate the jointed mechanical structure, according to a number of degrees of freedom of less than that which the structure provides to the instrument or tool, and an automatic control, wherein the automatic control drives the motor drives in order to facilitate the meeting of a constraint on position and/or velocity parameters of the instrument or tool, which constraint the motor drives by themselves, independently of handling by an operator, cannot entirely meet.

Abstract: In the present invention, a method of optimizing images of a patient utilizing a medical imaging device includes the steps of providing a medical imaging device having an x-ray source, an x-ray detector, a controller for adjusting the positions of the x-ray source and detector, an image reconstructor/generator connected to the x-ray detector to receive x-ray data and reconstruct an x-ray image, and a processor connected to the image reconstructor/generator and the controller and configured to perform analyses on the x-ray image, acquiring a first data set S1 of images, processing the first data set S1 to reconstruct a first computerized data set D1, analyzing the first computerized data set D1, acquiring at least one additional data set Sn in response to the analysis of the first computerized data set D1 and processing the at least one additional data set Sn in combination with the first data set S1 to reconstruct an optimized and updated computerized data set Dn.

Abstract: Methods and systems provide an integrated display, on a single screen, of images obtained from multiple modalities used in screening a subject. The methods and systems are usable with 2D, 3D, and 4D imaging, by which a single screen displays a screen image from a first modality. A window delineating an area of interest is placed on a first modality image from the first modality, and this area of interest is then displayed on a second modality image from a second modality, thereby providing a combined image representing the area of interest through both modalities. Preferably, the first modality image corresponds and/or is correlated with the second modality image.

Abstract: Method and system for obtaining tomosynthesis and material decomposition images of an object of interest using a system comprising an x-ray source facing a detector. The method comprises generating a 2D material decomposition image of an object of interest from at least two sets of acquisitions. Each set is performed at a different energy spectrum and comprises at least one projection image or a plurality of projection images acquired at different x-ray source angulation positions, and the 2D material decomposition image can be generated for a predetermined orientation selected from one of said different x-ray source angulation positions or from a virtual orientation. At least one of the plurality of 3D volume portion images and/or the 2D contrast enhanced material decomposition image are displayed for review by a health care professional.

Abstract: In the present invention, an imaging system and method for providing contrast-enhanced X-ray images of tissue includes an energy source in communication with a detector operable to generate radiological images of the tissue injected with the contrast agent, a display and a computer connected to the display and to receive the acquired images from the detector. The system is operable to acquire a number of first images of the contrast agent in the tissue, wherein the number of first images are single energy images, and a number of second images corresponding to the number of first images, wherein the second images are each a single energy image with an energy level opposite that for the first images. The first and second images are combined to generate a contrast-enhanced image with reduced exposure of the tissue and reduced time for completion of the procedure.

Abstract: A device and a related mammography method employing the device are described. The device comprises an x-ray source, an x-ray detector placed under a support plate for supporting an object and arranged to detect the x-rays coming from the x-ray source after they have passed through the object, and a positioning assembly with an arm having multiple degrees of freedom which is a collaborative robot for positioning the x-ray source with respect to the support plate. A method for performing an imaging procedure, which includes placing an object of interest on the support plate; moving the x-ray source relative to the object of interest along a non-planar trajectory to avoid collision with the object; and activating the x-ray source and the x-ray detector so as to detect the x-rays coming from the x-ray source after they have passed through the object, thus obtaining a set of x-ray images.

Abstract: A mammograph is provided. The mammograph includes a source of X-rays; a detector of X-rays, the source being configured to emit at least one beam of X-rays to the detector; and an optic control device configured to control the direction of X-rays emitted by the source such that the X-rays emitted by the source are substantially parallel to one another.