Abstract: The invention relates to a computed tomography system (30). Several sets of spectral projections, which correspond to different positions of a radiation source (2) along a rotation axis (R), are decomposed into first projections being indicative of a contrast agent and second projections being not indicative of the contrast agent. An image is generated by a) determining for each first projection a contrast value being indicative of a total amount of contrast agent and scaling the first projections such that for different first projections of a same set the same contrast value is determined, and reconstructing an image based on the scaled first projections, and/or b) reconstructing for the different sets first images, scaling the first images such that they have a same intensity in overlap regions and combining the scaled first images. Thus, different contrast agent amounts can be balanced, thereby allowing for an improved image quality.

Abstract: A method for operating translation look-aside buffers, TLBs, in a multiprocessor system. A purge request is received for purging one or more entries in the TLB. When the thread doesn't require access to the entries to be purged the execution of the purge request at the TLB may start. When an address translation request is rejected due to the TLB purge, a suspension time window may be set. During the suspension time window, the execution of the purge is suspended and address translation requests of the thread are executed. After the suspension window is ended the purge execution may be resumed. When the thread requires access to the entries to be purged, it may be blocked for preventing the thread sending address translation requests to the TLB and upon ending the purge request execution, the thread may be unblocked and the address translation requests may be executed.

Abstract: An apparatus and related method for processing image data supplied by a scanning phase contrast or dark-field imaging apparatus (MA). Beam hardening artifact in phase contrast and dark-field imaging can be reduced by applying a beam hardening processing operation by a beam hardening processing module (BHC) in respect of a plurality of detector readings that contribute signals to the same image pixel position or geometric ray of an imaging region of the apparatus (MA). In one embodiment, a phantom body (PB) is used to acquire calibration data on which the beam hardening processing is based.

Abstract: Embodiments include techniques for using a zone-SDID mapping for translation lookaside buffer (TLB) purges, the techniques include receiving a zone purge request, including zone attribute information, and searching for matching zone attribute information in a zone register using the zone purge request. The techniques also include computing, based at least in part on the search, a state descriptor identifier (SDID) vector for each matching zone of the zone register, and reading TLB entries referenced in the zone purge request. The techniques include comparing an SDID of the TLB entry against an SDID specified in the SDID vector, and purging the TLB entries based on the comparison.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method includes associating an initial use order with a plurality of target sets of a translation lookaside buffer (TLB), where the initial use order indicates an order of use of the plurality of target sets. The plurality of target sets are associated with an initial least-recently-used (LRU) state based on the initial use order. A new use order for the plurality of target sets is generated. Generating the new use order includes moving a first target set to a least-recently-used position, responsive to a purge of the first target set. The LRU state of the plurality of target sets is updated based on the new use order, responsive to the purge of the first target set. The first target set is identified as eligible for replacement according to an LRU replacement policy of the TLB, based at least in part on the purge of the first target set.

Abstract: An address translation facility is provided for multiple virtualization levels, where a guest virtual address may be translated to a guest non-virtual address, the guest non-virtual address corresponding without translation to a host virtual address, and the host virtual address may be translated to a host non-virtual address, where translation within a virtualization level may be specified as a sequence of accesses to address translation tables. The address translation facility may include a first translation engine and a second translation engine, where the first and second translation engines each have capacity to perform address translation within a single virtualization level of the multiple virtualization levels.

Abstract: An address translation facility is provided for multiple virtualization levels, where a guest virtual address may be translated to a guest non-virtual address, the guest non-virtual address corresponding without translation to a host virtual address, and the host virtual address may be translated to a host non-virtual address, where translation within a virtualization level may be specified as a sequence of accesses to address translation tables. The address translation facility may include a first translation engine and a second translation engine, where the first and second translation engines each have capacity to perform address translation within a single virtualization level of the multiple virtualization levels.

Abstract: The invention relates to an image generation apparatus (1) for generating an image of an object. A reconstruction unit (10) reconstructs the image based on provided measured projection values such that costs defined by a cost function are reduced, wherein the cost function depends on differences between calculated projection values, which have been determined by simulating a forward projection through the image, and the provided measured projection values, and wherein a degree of dependence of the cost function on a respective difference depends on the respective difference. This can allow for a consideration of a degree of disturbance of the measured projection values by motion and/or by an incomplete illumination of the object during the reconstruction process, which can lead to a reconstruction of an image having an improved image quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to X-ray imaging. In order to improve flexibility, for example in relation with phase-contrast imaging, the X-ray imaging device (10) comprises an X-ray source arrangement for providing an X-ray beam (11). Further, it is provided at least one grating (13, 14) and a line detector (15) with a plurality of sensor lines, which sensor lines are each provided by a plurality of sensor elements, and which sensor lines are provided for detecting respective portions of the X-ray beam (11) passing the at least one grating during operation. The X-ray imaging device is arranged for moving the line detector (15) and an object (21) to be imaged relative to each other, such that in response to the portions of the X-ray beam a number of interference patterns are detectable at respective different relative positions of the line detector and the object for reconstructing an image of the object (21).

Abstract: An address translation facility is provided for multiple virtualization levels, where a guest virtual address may be translated to a guest non-virtual address, the guest non-virtual address corresponding without translation to a host virtual address, and the host virtual address may be translated to a host non-virtual address, where translation within a virtualization level may be specified as a sequence of accesses to address translation tables. The address translation facility may include a first translation engine and a second translation engine, where the first and second translation engines each have capacity to perform address translation within a single virtualization level of the multiple virtualization levels.

Abstract: An address translation facility is provided for multiple virtualization levels, where a guest virtual address may be translated to a guest non-virtual address, the guest non-virtual address corresponding without translation to a host virtual address, and the host virtual address may be translated to a host non-virtual address, where translation within a virtualization level may be specified as a sequence of accesses to address translation tables. The address translation facility may include a first translation engine and a second translation engine, where the first and second translation engines each have capacity to perform address translation within a single virtualization level of the multiple virtualization levels.

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: Embodiments include techniques for using a zone-SDID mapping for translation lookaside buffer (TLB) purges, the embodiments include receiving a zone purge request, including zone attribute information, and searching for matching zone attribute information in a zone register using the zone purge request. Embodiments also include computing, based at least in part on the search, a state descriptor identifier (SDID) vector for each matching zone of the zone register, and reading TLB entries referenced in the zone purge request. Embodiments include comparing an SDID of the TLB entry against an SDID specified in the SDID vector, and purging the TLB entries based on the comparison.

Abstract: A method for operating translation look-aside buffers, TLBs, in a multiprocessor system. A purge request is received for purging one or more entries in the TLB. When the thread doesn't require access to the entries to be purged the execution of the purge request at the TLB may start. When an address translation request is rejected due to the TLB purge, a suspension time window may be set. During the suspension time window, the execution of the purge is suspended and address translation requests of the thread are executed. After the suspension window is ended the purge execution may be resumed. When the thread requires access to the entries to be purged, it may be blocked for preventing the thread sending address translation requests to the TLB and upon ending the purge request execution, the thread may be unblocked and the address translation requests may be executed.

Abstract: Embodiments include techniques for using a zone-SDID mapping for translation lookaside buffer (TLB) purges, the embodiments include receiving a zone purge request, including zone attribute information, and searching for matching zone attribute information in a zone register using the zone purge request. Embodiments also include computing, based at least in part on the search, a state descriptor identifier (SDID) vector for each matching zone of the zone register, and reading TLB entries referenced in the zone purge request. Embodiments include comparing an SDID of the TLB entry against an SDID specified in the SDID vector, and purging the TLB entries based on the comparison.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus and a related method. In particular, the apparatus includes a novel image reconstructor to reconstruct cross sectional images of a specimen from interferometric projection data (m). The reconstructor (RECON) is based on a new forward model that accounts for cross-talk of a phase contrast signal into a dark field signal.

Abstract: A system and related method for signal processing. Interferometric projection data reconstructed into one or more images for a spatial distribution of a physical property of an imaged object. The interferometric projection data is derived from signals acquired by an X-ray detector (D), said signals caused by X-ray radiation after interaction of said X-ray radiation with an interferometer and with the object (OB) to be imaged, said interferometer (IF) having an inter-grating distance. The reconstructor (RECON) configured to perform, based on the projection data and a forward signal model, a reconstruction operation for one or more images in an image domain of a spatial distribution of at least one physical property of said object (OB) including a refractive index, wherein the reconstructor is configured to perform in the reconstruction operation a scaling operation based on the inter-grating distance of the interferometer and/or on a distance of a location in said image domain from said interferometer (IF).

Abstract: The present invention relates to computer tomography X-ray imaging. In order to provide further improved data for the reconstruction, a system (10) for computer tomography X-ray imaging is provided. The system comprises a data interface (12) and a processing unit (14). The data interface is configured to provide at least first and second CT X-ray radiation projection data for at least a first and second X-ray energy range, which ranges are different from each other. The processing unit is configured to determine a correction for slice normalization, and to apply an equal slice normalization for the first and the second CT X-ray projection data and thereby generating prepared first and second CT X-ray projection data. For the correction, the equal slice normalization is based on measured data of outer detector elements. Further, the data interface is configured to provide the prepared first and second CT X-ray projection data for further processing.

Abstract: Apparatus and related method for dark-field imaging. The apparatus operates on projective intensities detected at a detector in different energy channels. An energy weighting is used to improve the signal to noise ratio. The model operates in a logarithmic domain.

Abstract: The present invention relates to X-ray imaging technology as well as image post-processing. Particularly, the present invention relates to a method for computer aided detection of structures in X-ray images as well as an X-ray system. A computer aided detection algorithm visibly determines tissue structures in X-ray image information and subsequently matches the shape of a determined tissue structure with a library of known tissue structures for characterizing the type of determined tissue structure. The determination of a tissue structure and thus the characterization of the type of the tissue structure may be enhanced when employing also spectral information, in particular energy information of the acquired X-ray image.