Abstract: A CT scanning system may include a multi-pixel x-ray source, and a detector array. The multi-pixel x-ray source may have a plurality of pixels that are disposed along a z-axis, and that are sequentially activated so as to controllably emit x-rays in response to incident electrons. The detector array may have one or more rows of x-ray detectors that detect the x-rays that are emitted from the pixels and have traversed an object, and generate data for CT image reconstruction system. In third generation CT scanning systems, the number of detector rows may be reduced. Multi-pixel x-ray source implementation of saddle curve geometry may render a single rotation single organ scan feasible. Using a multi-pixel x-ray source in stationary CT scanning systems may allow x-ray beam design with a minimal coverage to satisfy mathematical requirements for reconstruction.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems described herein provide for generating a radiographic image and ultrasound image depicting parallel planes of an object under examination and may be used in conjunction with radiographic or ultrasound techniques known to those in the field (e.g., x-ray tomosynthesis, computed tomography ultrasound imaging, etc.). An ultrasound frontend component is configured to transmit ultrasound waves in a direction substantially parallel to a trajectory of radiation. In one example, one or more radiographic images of an object are spatially coincident to one or more ultrasound images of the object in the same position and/or geometric shape/volume, and the images may be combined to generate a combined image depicting features of the ultrasound image (e.g., the sensitivity of the ultrasound image) and features of the radiographic image (e.g., the morphological details of the radiographic image).

Abstract: A CT scanning system may include a multi-pixel x-ray source, and a detector array. The multi-pixel x-ray source may have a plurality of pixels that are disposed along a z-axis, and that are sequentially activated so as to controllably emit x-rays in response to incident electrons. The detector array may have one or more rows of x-ray detectors that detect the x-rays that are emitted from the pixels and have traversed an object, and generate data for CT image reconstruction system. In third generation CT scanning systems, the number of detector rows may be reduced. Multi-pixel x-ray source implementation of saddle curve geometry may render a single rotation single organ scan feasible. Using a multi-pixel x-ray source in stationary CT scanning systems may allow x-ray beam design with a minimal coverage to satisfy mathematical requirements for reconstruction.

Abstract: A CT scanning system may include a multi-pixel x-ray source, and a detector array. The multi-pixel x-ray source may have a plurality of pixels that are disposed along a z-axis, and that are sequentially activated so as to controllably emit x-rays in response to incident electrons. The detector array may have one or more rows of x-ray detectors that detect the x-rays that are emitted from the pixels and have traversed an object, and generate data for CT image reconstruction system. In third generation CT scanning systems, the number of detector rows may be reduced. Multi-pixel x-ray source implementation of saddle curve geometry may render a single rotation single organ scan feasible. Using a multi-pixel x-ray source in stationary CT scanning systems may allow x-ray beam design with a minimal coverage to satisfy mathematical requirements for reconstruction.

Abstract: Tomosynthesis data may be acquired from an ionizing radiation source that substantially continuously emits radiation while its position is varied relative to a photon counting detector. The detector detects photons comprised within the radiation and photon data indicative of the detected photons is generated. The photon data may comprise data related to a detected photon's detection time, detection location on the detector, energy level, and/or trajectory from the radiation source, for example. The photon data of various photons may be compiled into a plurality of bins and, through reconstruction and tomosynthesis techniques, produce synthesized images of various tomography planes of an object under examination. In this way, the tomosynthesis techniques rely on counting photons rather than measuring their energy to create synthesized images.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems described herein provide for creating detector elements that are configured to be overlaid, such that at least a portion of gap between two detector elements is situated in a plane that is not parallel to a plane through which primary radiation travels. That is, a first detector element comprises a portion that is configured to overlap a portion of a second detector element. The detector element(s) may be direct conversion or indirect conversion detector elements. Moreover, one or more electrodes may be placed within the gap and/or along an edge of the detector element to assist in the movement of charge generated by a charge producing portion of the detector element.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems described herein implement, among other things, a flat panel detector component for detecting actinic and non-actinic radiation, or the formation thereof. The flat panel detector component comprises a plurality of layers, where at least one of the layers comprises silk. Further, a silk layer may be in direct physical contact with a radiation detection layer.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are described herein for cleaning a portion of a radiographic examination apparatus whereon debris may accumulate. Typically, the portion being cleaned is within a scanning field of the radiographic examination device (e.g., within a portion of the radiographic examination device through which radiation traverses). Activation of a cleaning mechanism, or a portion thereof, may be timed to miss radiation emitted during a scan, and thus not interfere with a scan. Also, the cleaning mechanism, or a portion thereof, may be located so as to not attenuate radiation. If radiation is attenuated by the cleaning mechanism corrective techniques can be implemented to account for such attenuation.

Abstract: Tomosynthesis data may be acquired from an ionizing radiation source that substantially continuously emits radiation while its position is varied relative to a photon counting detector. The detector detects photons comprised within the radiation and photon data indicative of the detected photons is generated. The photon data may comprise data related to a detected photon's detection time, detection location on the detector, energy level, and/or trajectory from the radiation source, for example. The photon data of various photons may be compiled into a plurality of bins and, through reconstruction and tomosynthesis techniques, produce synthesized images of various tomography planes of an object under examination. In this way, the tomosynthesis techniques rely on counting photons rather than measuring their energy to create synthesized images.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems described herein provide for generating a radiographic image and ultrasound image depicting parallel planes of an object under examination and may be used in conjunction with radiographic or ultrasound techniques known to those in the field (e.g., x-ray tomosynthesis, computed tomography ultrasound imaging, etc.). An ultrasound frontend component is configured to transmit ultrasound waves in a direction substantially parallel to a trajectory of radiation. In one example, one or more radiographic images of an object are spatially coincident to one or more ultrasound images of the object in the same position and/or geometric shape/volume, and the images may be combined to generate a combined image depicting features of the ultrasound image (e.g., the sensitivity of the ultrasound image) and features of the radiographic image (e.g., the morphological details of the radiographic image).

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems described herein implement, among other things, a flat panel detector component for detecting actinic and non-actinic radiation, or the formation thereof. The flat panel detector component comprises a plurality of layers, where at least one of the layers comprises silk. Further, a silk layer may be in direct physical contact with a radiation detection layer.

Abstract: An item tracking apparatus includes a tag interrogator that transmits an interrogation signal and receives a signal emitted by a tag affixed to an item in response to the tag receiving the interrogation signal, wherein the tag and item are part of a bio-compatible consumable dosage delivery unit and a controller that determines a state of the item based on the received signal. A consumable dosage delivery unit includes a dosage form and a bio-compatible wireless communications tag.

Abstract: Tomosynthesis data may be acquired from a radiation source that substantially continuously emits radiation while its position is varied relative to a photon counting x-ray detector. The detector detects photons comprised within the radiation and photon data indicative of the detected photons is generated. The photon data may comprise data related to a detected photon's detection time, detection location on the detector, energy level, and/or trajectory from the radiation source, for example. The photon data of various photons may be compiled into a plurality of bins and, through reconstruction and tomosynthesis techniques, produce synthesized images of various tomography planes of an object under examination. In this way, the tomosynthesis techniques rely on counting photons rather than measuring their energy to create synthesized images.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems described herein provide for creating detector elements that are configured to be overlaid, such that at least a portion of gap between two detector elements is situated in a plane that is not parallel to a plane through which primary radiation travels. That is, a first detector element comprises a portion that is configured to overlap a portion of a second detector element. The detector element(s) may be direct conversion or indirect conversion detector elements. Moreover, one or more electrodes may be placed within the gap and/or along an edge of the detector element to assist in the movement of charge generated by a charge producing portion of the detector element.

Abstract: One or more techniques and/or systems are described herein for cleaning a portion of a radiographic examination apparatus whereon debris may accumulate. Typically, the portion being cleaned is within a scanning field of the radiographic examination device (e.g., within a portion of the radiographic examination device through which radiation traverses). Activation of a cleaning mechanism, or a portion thereof, may be timed to miss radiation emitted during a scan, and thus not interfere with a scan. Also, the cleaning mechanism, or a portion thereof, may be located so as to not attenuate radiation. If radiation is attenuated by the cleaning mechanism corrective techniques can be implemented to account for such attenuation.

Abstract: An item tracking apparatus includes a tag interrogator that transmits an interrogation signal and receives a signal emitted by a tag affixed to an item in response to the tag receiving the interrogation signal, wherein the tag and item are part of a bio-compatible consumable dosage delivery unit and a controller that determines a state of the item based on the received signal. A consumable dosage delivery unit includes a dosage form and a bio-compatible wireless communications tag.

Abstract: Tomosynthesis data may be acquired from a radiation source that substantially continuously emits radiation while its position is varied relative to a photon counting x-ray detector. The detector detects photons comprised within the radiation and photon data indicative of the detected photons is generated. The photon data may comprise data related to a detected photon's detection time, detection location on the detector, energy level, and/or trajectory from the radiation source, for example. The photon data of various photons may be compiled into a plurality of bins and, through reconstruction and tomosynthesis techniques, produce synthesized images of various tomography planes of an object under examination. In this way, the tomosynthesis techniques rely on counting photons rather than measuring their energy to create synthesized images.

Abstract: A CT scanning system may include a multi-pixel x-ray source, and a detector array. The multi-pixel x-ray source may have a plurality of pixels that are disposed along a z-axis, and that are sequentially activated so as to controllably emit x-rays in response to incident electrons. The detector array may have one or more rows of x-ray detectors that detect the x-rays that are emitted from the pixels and have traversed an object, and generate data for CT image reconstruction system. In third generation CT scanning systems, the number of detector rows may be reduced. Multi-pixel x-ray source implementation of saddle curve geometry may render a single rotation single organ scan feasible. Using a multi-pixel x-ray source in stationary CT scanning systems may allow x-ray beam design with a minimal coverage to satisfy mathematical requirements for reconstruction.

Abstract: An X-ray detector used in CT scanner systems includes a 2-D array of scintillator elements coupled to an improved 2-D array of photo-detectors. When coupled together, each scintillator element aligns with a detection side of a corresponding photo-detector. The photo-detector array includes an insulating substrate which houses and secures the photodiodes in a predetermined alignment with the scintillator elements. The insulating substrate is comprised of a bottom piece and a top piece, wherein the bottom piece has circuit paths formed in a mounting surface thereof. The top piece has a top and a bottom surface, includes photo-detector holes for insertion of the photo-detectors, and has a thickness which is greater than the height of the photo-detectors. Additionally, the top piece includes plated conductive holes which extend from the top surface to conductive pads on the bottom surface and conductive paths formed at the top surface which electrically couple the conductive holes to the photo-detector.

Abstract: A two-dimensional area detector array for a CT scanning system includes a set of alignment grids for aligning individual scintillator crystals with corresponding photodiodes and for preventing optical and electrical interference between adjacent photodiodes. The alignment grids thus facilitate efficient transfer of information from the scintillation crystals to the photodiodes and also permit the detector array to be constructed with many very small, very closely spaced individual detector elements. The alignment grids are preferably made of a substantially opaque material having a relatively low coefficient of thermal expansion. They provide a highly beneficial dimensional stability to the detector array under the typical operating conditions of the CT scanner.