Abstract: Systems and method for performing X-ray computed tomography (CT) that can improve spectral separation and decrease motion artifacts without increasing radiation dose are provided. The systems and method can be used with either a kVp-switching source or a single-kVp source. When used with a kVp-switching source, an absorption grating and a filter grating can be disposed between the X-ray source and the sample to be imaged. Relative motion of the filter and absorption gratings can by synchronized to the kVp switching frequency of the X-ray source. When used with a single-kVp source, a combination of absorption and filter gratings can be used and can be driven in an oscillation movement that is optimized for a single-kVp X-ray source. With a single-kVp source, the absorption grating can also be omitted and the filter grating can remain stationary.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for computed tomography (CT) imaging technologies that are tailored to specific regions of interest and provide a reduced radiation dose. An imaging system for cardiac CT comprises a beam-shaping filtration and exposure control technologies specifically tailored to imaging of the heart.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for acquiring image data of a subject. The image data can be collected with an imaging system with at least two different energy characteristics. The image data can be reconstructed using reconstruction techniques.

Abstract: Embodiments may relate an x-ray filter. The x-ray filter may be configured to be positioned between an x-ray source output and a device under test (DUT) that is to be x-rayed. The x-ray filter may include at least 80% titanium (Ti) by weight. Other embodiments may be described or claimed.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for acquiring image data of a subject. The image data can be collected with an imaging system with at least two different energy characteristics. The image data can be reconstructed using reconstruction techniques.

Abstract: A radiation imaging system includes a detector including a plurality of pixels which obtain pixel values corresponding to incident radiation transmitted through a subject, and an information processing unit configured to perform a process of estimating information on thicknesses of substances included in the subject using pixel values of an arbitrary one of the plurality of pixels, an average value of energy of radiation quanta of the arbitrary pixel calculated in accordance with the pixel values of the arbitrary pixel, a first table indicating the relationship between the pixel values of the arbitrary pixel and the thicknesses of the substances included in the subject, and a second table indicating the relationship between the average value of the energy of the radiation quanta of the arbitrary pixel and the thicknesses of the substances included in the subject.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for fasting switching a filter of an imaging system during scan. In one embodiment, a method comprises determining a first contrast enhancement of an injected contrast agent; responsive to the first contrast enhancement being higher than a first threshold, acquiring a first dataset by transmitting a radiation beam to an imaging subject via a first filter; switching to a different, second filter; acquiring a second dataset by transmitting the radiation beam to the imaging subject via the second filter, wherein an average contrast enhancement of the injected contrast agent during the acquisition of the first dataset is substantially the same as an average contrast enhancement of the injected contrast agent in the imaging subject during the acquisition of the second dataset.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for image tracking using an X-ray imaging system during an interventional radiology procedure on a human or an animal. The method may comprise acquiring a first image of an object inside a human or an animal with a first X-ray detector of the X-ray imaging system; acquiring a second image of the object with the X-ray imaging system during the interventional radiology procedure, at a time later than acquiring the first image; determining a displacement of the first X-ray detector based on the first image and the second image; moving the first X-ray detector by the displacement, with an actuator of the X-ray imaging system. The X-ray imaging system comprises the first X-ray detector, the second X-ray detector and the actuator. A spatial resolution of the first X-ray detector is higher than a spatial resolution of the second X-ray detector.

Abstract: A detector (10) for high-energy radiography includes, in the following order: a metal screen (12) arranged to receive incident radiation, at least part of the incident radiation being transmitted through the metal screen and forming a transmitted radiation, a scintillator component (14) arranged to convert the radiation transmitted by the metal screen into light, and a detection layer (16) arranged to detect the intensity of the light emitted by the scintillator component. The screen (12) is made of a metal having an atomic number that is strictly greater than 70 or is made of an alloy comprising at least 50% mass content of one or more metals having an atomic number that is strictly greater than 70 and in that the thickness of the screen is between 20 ?m and 900 ?m.

Abstract: A system for imaging includes an X-ray source for transmitting X-rays through a subject and a measurement sensor to acquire measurement data related to the subject. A detector is provided in the system to receive the X-ray energy of the X-rays after having passed through the subject. The system further includes a controller that receives the measurement data from the measurement sensor and processes the measurement data using an image processing algorithm to determine varying thickness of the subject at a plurality of locations within an area of interest. The controller further positions a filter between the X-ray source and the subject based on varying thickness of the subject and generates the image of the subject based on the detected X-ray energy at the X-ray detector.

Abstract: A radiation beam intensity modulation device constituted of: a control circuitry; a plurality of cells, each of the plurality of cells arranged, responsive to the control circuitry, to be switched between an attenuating state and a transparent state; and attenuating material, each of the plurality of cells arranged to contain therewithin a portion of the attenuating material when in the attenuating state and not contain therewithin the portion of the attenuating material when in the transparent state.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus according to an embodiment of the present disclosure includes an X-ray tube, a photon counting X-ray detector, and a filter unit. A generating unit of the X-ray tube is configured to generate X-rays. The photon counting X-ray detector is configured to count photons contained in the X-rays. The filter unit is provided between the X-ray tube and the photon counting X-ray detector. The filter unit includes a first filter and a second filter. The first filter is configured to shape a spectrum of the X-rays. The second filter is configured to generate X-ray fluorescence on the basis of X-rays related to a spectrum resulting from the shaping by the first filter.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an X-ray diagnosis apparatus includes an X-ray generator, an X-ray diaphragm, an X-ray detector, an image capturing unit, a blood vessel running information acquiring unit, a device position specifying unit, and a diaphragm controller. The X-ray generator emits X-rays. The X-ray diaphragm restricts a region to be irradiated with X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator. The X-ray detector detects X-rays emitted from the X-ray generator. The image capturing unit acquires an X-ray image based on a detection result obtained by the X-ray detector. The blood vessel running information acquiring unit acquires blood vessel running information. The device position specifying unit specifies the position of a device in the X-ray image. The diaphragm controller controls the X-ray diaphragm based on the blood vessel running information and the position of the device.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an integrated filter assembly including a plurality of bowtie filters and a hardening filter mounted on a single carriage. In one embodiment, an imaging system may include a carriage including a hardening filter and one or more bowtie filters, and a filter driving system for moving the carriage to selectively position the hardening filter and one of the one or more bowtie filters in a path of a radiation beam between a radiation source and an imaging subject, the hardening filter at least partially overlapping with at least one of the one or more bowtie filters. In this way, a single carriage may include a plurality of filters which may be selectively positioned in a path of the radiation beam entering a subject without having to stack multiple carriages and switch carriages between scans.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more systems and/or techniques are described for shaping a profile of radiation attenuation in a fan-angle direction via a pre-object filter (e.g., a bowtie filter) based upon a profile of an object. For example, a pre-object filter may be at least partially rotated about a filter axis and/or may be translated in a direction parallel to a direction of conveyance of the object under examination to adjust a profile of radiation attenuation in the fan-angle direction. Further, in one embodiment, the profile of radiation attenuation may be reshaped during rotation of the radiation source about the object to adjust an amount of radiation attenuation in the fan-angle direction (e.g., to adjust a profile of radiation attenuation as a shape of the object changes from a perspective of a radiation source as the radiation source is rotated about the object).

Abstract: Systems and method for performing X-ray computed tomography (CT) that can improve spectral separation and decrease motion artifacts without increasing radiation dose are provided. The systems and method can be used with either a kVp-switching source or a single-kVp source. When used with a kVp-switching source, an absorption grating and a filter grating can be disposed between the X-ray source and the sample to be imaged. Relative motion of the filter and absorption gratings can by synchronized to the kVp switching frequency of the X-ray source. When used with a single-kVp source, a combination of absorption and filter gratings can be used and can be driven in an oscillation movement that is optimized for a single-kVp X-ray source. With a single-kVp source, the absorption grating can also be omitted and the filter grating can remain stationary.

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: In one aspect, it is disclosed a system for inspection of a load, comprising: a detection device configured to detect, after transmission through the load, successive radiation pulses emitted at a predetermined frequency by a source, the load being in movement in an inspection direction, at an inspection speed with respect to the system, the detection device comprising a matrix of a plurality of arrays of detectors, wherein the matrix has a width associated with the inspection direction, the width of the matrix being based on the inspection speed of the load and the predetermined frequency of the successive radiation pulses.

Abstract: An X-ray generator includes: a line X-ray source; a multilayer film mirror; and a side-by-side reflecting mirror including two concave mirrors joined together so as to share a join line. A cross section of a reflecting surface of the multilayer film mirror has a parabolic shape, and a focus of the parabolic shape is located at the line X-ray source. Cross sections of reflecting surfaces of the two concave mirrors of the side-by-side reflecting mirror each have a parabolic shape, and each of focuses of the parabolic shapes is located on a side opposite to the multilayer film mirror. An extended line of the join line of the side-by-side reflecting mirror passes through the multilayer film mirror and the line X-ray source as viewed in a plan view.

Abstract: A LINear particle ACcelerator (LINAC) simulator employs a Monte Carlo-based use of repeated random sampling to produce a simulated result representing use of a particular physical medical-services LINAC with particular corresponding real-world parameters. A browser-based user opportunity permits uploading at least some of those real-world parameters to employ when using the LINAC simulator to produce the simulated result. By one approach the browser-based user opportunity includes, at least in part, an opportunity to upload a file that contains information regarding geometrical positions for the particular physical LINAC. The opportunity to upload the file may, by one approach, presume using a file format that comprises a non-standard file format for the particular physical medical-services LINAC.

Abstract: An image obtainment unit obtains plural radiographic-images generated by arranging plural storable-phosphor-sheets in such a manner that at least portions of the sheets are overlapped with each other in an irradiation direction of radiation, by arranging a marker at a position to be detected by the plural sheets, and by detecting the radiation that has passed through a subject and the marker by each of the plural sheets. A first-information obtainment unit obtains first-information representing a distance between detection surfaces of the plural sheets. A second-information obtainment unit obtains second-information representing a magnification ratio of a second marker image of the marker included in a radiographic-image obtained by a second sheet with respect to a marker image of the marker included in a radiographic-image obtained by a first sheet of the plural sheets. A distance calculation unit calculates, based on the first and the second information, a radiation-source-to-image-surface distance.

Abstract: An X-ray system, in particular a computed tomography system, for acquiring projection data of an examination subject includes one or more X-ray radiation sources, at least one of the one or more X-ray radiation sources including at least one prefilter, the one or more X-ray radiation sources being configured to generate X-ray radiation including at least two X-ray radiation spectra, the at least one prefilter being configured to at least one of spatially distribute or temporally modify the X-ray radiation, and a one or more photon-counting detectors configured to detect the X-ray radiation passing through the examination subject in an energy-resolved manner according to at least two detection thresholds, and generate projection data based on the detection.

Abstract: In a beam filter assembly, a base filter is employed to modify a beam quality of a radiation beam of a base energy level and a first filter slice is stacked with the base filter to modify a beam quality of a radiation beam of a first energy level higher than the base energy level. In a beam filter positioning device, a base stage carries a base filter and a first stage carries a filter slice. The base stage is provided with a first engagement site and a second engagement site. The first stage is provided with a first engagement site, a second engagement site, and an open port. The first stage and the base stage are each independently movable relative to the beamline. The first stage is engageable with the base stage when at least one of the first and second engagement sites of the first stage is aligned with at least one of the first and second engagement sites of the base stage, and is further movable with the base stage in unison when engaged.

Abstract: A sharpening filter for orthovoltage x-ray beams employs a substantially planar filter disk supporting a set of radial symmetric features controlling attenuation of x-ray transmission in concentric circular regions providing increased sharpness of the pencil beams in a compact filter structure that may be tailored to different beam sizes and focus depths.

Abstract: A multiple frames imaging system is disclosed with capability of differential x-ray exposure of different input areas of an image intensifier or other x-ray detector. Collimators are provided to control the amount of radiation in various regions of the image and image processing is provided to provide the display of images of different qualities. Motion methods are provided to move the collimators to produce optimal image frames.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for quantitative analysis of heavy metals, particularly lead, arsenic, antimony or cadmium, in a liquid sample. Also disclosed is a method for quantitative analysis of heavy metals, particularly lead, arsenic, antimony or cadmium, in a powdery sample.

Abstract: Methods and systems of displaying an image of an object are described. The displayed image is comprised of at least two parts that are displayed so as to present a unified image of the object. One part of the image is derived using a first temporal filter and the other part of the image is derived using a second temporal filter.

Abstract: A system and method of X-ray imaging includes an X-ray emitter that projects X-rays. An X-ray receiver receives X-rays from the X-ray emitter to produce a plurality of projection images. A filter with at least one filter leaf absorbs at least a portion of the X-rays from the X-ray emitter to define a limited field of view within a full field of view, wherein the X-rays are attenuated in at least one attenuated portion of the full field of view. A processor reconstructs a three dimensional image based upon the projection images of the full field of view. The limited field view is located within the reconstructed three dimensional image. At least one corrective parameter is determined from the reconstructed three dimensional image. A three dimensional image is reconstructed based upon the limited field of view and the at least one corrective parameter.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in a helical computed tomography system having an x-ray source for projecting x-ray beams along a projection axis is presented, the filter assembly including a first filter element for attenuating at least a portion of the x-ray beams, the first filter element constructed as a background-wedge for attenuating x-rays having a large aperture and a second filter element for attenuating at least a portion of the x-ray beams, the second filter element constructed to create a ridge. The second filter element may be rotated with respect to or adjusted in relation with or removed or replaced from the filter assembly to allow for adaptation to different helical pitch values.

Abstract: A radiographic apparatus and method of obtaining images using a radiographic apparatus are disclosed. The radiographic apparatus and method use a filter having different regions for different radiation states. The filter is configured to be moved during different irradiating radiation steps. The radiation from the different steps is detected and may be used to generate an image.

Abstract: There is provided an X-ray CT apparatus including: an X-ray source; a wedge which is disposed between the X-ray source and a subject and in which a shield blocking apart of an X ray is formed; a wedge driving unit for moving position of the wedge; and a system control unit controlling the wedge driving unit during a scan execution period to control the position of the wedge.

Abstract: An X-ray computed tomography (=CT) apparatus (10) has a filter element (2) for attenuating an X-ray beam (1). The filter element (2) has a spatially varying X-ray absorption capability along a cross direction (y) which is perpendicular to both the beam axis (z) of the X-ray beam and to a rotation axis (x) of a gantry. The spatially varying X-ray absorption capability exhibits a maximum absorption along the cross direction (y) at a zero position (y0), wherein X-rays passing through the filter element (2) at the zero position (y0) intersect the rotation axis (x). The CT apparatus allows for further reduction of the radiation dose for an object to be investigated, while simultaneously retaining high image quality.

Abstract: Calibration methods and related calibration controllers (CC) for calibrating imaging apparatuses (102) such as a 3D computed tomography imager or a 2D x-ray imager. The imaging apparatuses (102) are equipped with a dynamic beam shaper (RF). The dynamic beam shaper (RF) allows adapting the energy profile of a radiation beam (PR) used in the imaging apparatuses (102) to a shape of an object (PAT) to be imaged. A plurality of gain images are acquired in dependence on a shape of the object and the view along which the gain images are acquired or a target gain image is synthesized from a plurality of basis gain images (BGI).

Abstract: Disclosed herein a rotational type foil trap that is capable of avoiding the transmission rate of the EUV light to be lowered even when the EUV light source operates with the high input power and also suppressing the temperature increase of the foil to attain a sufficient life duration. In the rotational type foil trap, one end of each of foils is inserted into each of a plurality of grooves provided on a side face of a center support, and the center support and the each of the foils are fixed together by brazing.

Abstract: An x-ray system comprising an x-ray source, a single essentially round collimator, a camera, a detector and a monitor, means for moving the collimator in a plane generally parallel to the plane of the collimator; and the collimator comprising a central aperture that allows all the radiation to pass through, an outer annulus that reduces the radiation passing through at an amount depending on the material and the thickness of the material and an inner annulus between the central aperture and the outer annulus, with thickness changing as a function of the distance from the center, starting at thickness zero on the side of the central aperture and ending at the thickness of the outer annulus on the side of the outer annulus.

Abstract: A radiation image acquisition system of an aspect of the present invention includes a radiation source emitting radiation toward an object, a holding unit holding the object, a wavelength conversion member generating scintillation light in response to incidence of the radiation emitted from the radiation source and transmitted through the object, a first imaging means condensing and imaging scintillation light emitted from an incidence surface of the radiation of the wavelength conversion member, a second imaging means condensing and imaging scintillation light emitted from a surface opposite to the incidence surface of the wavelength conversion member, a holding unit position adjusting means adjusting the position of the holding unit between the radiation source and the wavelength conversion member, and an imaging position adjusting means adjusting the position of the first imaging means.

Abstract: A differential phase contrast X-ray imaging system includes an X-ray illumination system, a beam splitter arranged in a radiation path of the X-ray illumination system, and a detection system arranged in a radiation path to detect X-rays after passing through the beam splitter.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining a phase-contrast digital imaging system and methods for same that can include an x-ray source for radiographic imaging; a beam shaping assembly, an x-ray grating interferometer including a phase grating and an analyzer grating; and an x-ray detector; where the source grating, the phase grating, and the analyzer grating are detuned and a plurality of uncorrelated reference images are obtained for use in imaging processing with the detuned system.

Abstract: A device and method of the present disclosure provides large field-of-view Talbot-Lau phase contrast CT systems up to very high X-ray energy. The device includes microperiodic gratings tilted at glancing incidence and tiled on a single substrate to provide the large field-of-view phase contrast CT system. The present disclosure is a simple, economical, and accurate method for combining multiple GAIs into a larger FOV system, capable of performing phase-contrast tomography (PC-CT) on large objects. The device and method can be applied to medical X-ray imaging, industrial non-destructive testing, and security screening.

Abstract: A non-rotational CT system according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of X-ray generation units which are radially arranged by being spaced at certain intervals around an inspected object, and in which position correcting sensors are equipped on one side thereof; a plurality of X-ray detection units which are arranged in separated spaces between the X-ray generation units, are provided alternately with the X-ray generation units, and in which position correcting sensors are equipped on one side thereof; a control unit which receives signals from the position correcting sensors equipped in the X-ray generation units and the X-ray detection units, and adjusts the positions of each of the X-ray generation units and the X-ray detection units which face each other to precisely correspond with each other; a data processing unit which stores two-dimensional X-ray images obtained from the X-ray detection units, and applies an image interpolation technique to calculate two-dimensional X-ray images betwe

Abstract: A CT scanner comprising a dynamic collimator disposed near an x-ray source and a controller configured to rotate the x-ray source about a subject, wherein imaging data is acquired from a single rotation of the x-ray source, the single rotation being divided into a first half-scan and a second half-scan. The controller is further configured to position the dynamic collimator after acquiring image data from one of the first half-scan and the second half-scan and simultaneous to commencement of acquiring image data from the other of the first half-scan and the second half-scan to obstruct a central portion of an x-ray beam emitted by the x-ray source during one of the first half-scan and the second half-scan. The CT scanner is further configured to reconstruct a CT image using the first set of imaging data and the second set of imaging data.

Abstract: A CT system includes a gantry, an x-ray source, a detector, and a grating collimator that includes alternating first and second materials. The system includes a controller configured to emit a first beam of x-rays from a first focal spot and to a first detector pixel, wherein the first beam of x-rays passes along a ray and through one of the first materials of the grating collimator, and subsequently emit a second beam of x-rays from a second focal spot and to the first detector pixel, wherein the second beam of x-rays passes substantially along the ray and through one of the second materials of the grating collimator. The system includes a computer programmed to generate first and second kVp image datasets using data acquired from the first beam and second beams of x-rays, and reconstruct a basis material image of the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transmission type X-ray tube and a reflection type X-ray tube. The transmission type X-ray tube comprises a target and a filter material. The target has at least one element which produces X-rays as being excited. The X-rays comprise characteristic K? and K? emission energies of the element for producing images of an object impinged by the X-rays. The filter material through which the X-rays pass has a k-edge absorption energy that is higher than the K? emission energies and is lower than the K? emission energies. The thickness of the filter material is at least 10 microns and less than 3 millimeters.

Abstract: Noise map for CT images have been estimated by generalizing the prior art even-and-odd views approach. One example is to estimate a noise map from images reconstructed from three sets of independent views. A second example is to estimate a noise map from images reconstructed by using two sets of correlated views. A third example is to estimate a noise map from noise map from two images reconstructed from two sets of independent views while the number of views in each set is unequal. Physical phantom data were employed to validate our proposed noise map estimation methods. In comparison to the existing method, our alternative methods yield reasonably accurate noise map estimation.

Abstract: A method for determining a 4D plan for carrying out intensity-modulated radiation therapy of a target volume subject to irregular periodic motion, with a radiation therapy apparatus is provided. The method includes selecting positions of a radiation source. The number of positions is selected to be identical in all 3D radiation therapy plans. The method also includes selecting a number of respective aperture settings assigned to a respective position of the radiation source to be identical in all 3D radiation therapy plans. A geometrical, temporal, and/or dynamic restriction that restricts a change of the aperture from one aperture setting to another aperture setting is predetermined, and the 3D radiation therapy plans are determined such that the 3D radiation therapy plans fulfill predetermined restrictions for aperture settings in each case.

Abstract: An X-ray source is disposed and a detector is disposed adjacent to the X-ray source. A test specimen holder is disposed between the X-ray source and the detector. A filter is disposed between the X-ray source and the test specimen holder. The filter has a plate-shaped semiconductor, a granular semiconductor, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining a phase-contrast digital radiographic imaging system and methods for same that can include an x-ray source for radiographic imaging; a beam shaping assembly including a collimator and a source grating, an x-ray grating interferometer including a phase grating, and an analyzer grating; and an x-ray detector, where a single arrangement of the beam shaping assembly, the x-ray grating interferometer and a position of the detector is configured to provide spectral information (e.g. at least two images obtained at different relative beam energies).

Abstract: This invention has one object to provide radiographic apparatus with a compensating filter that allows simple and accurate estimation of direct radiation to acquire a radioscopic image or a sectional image of excellent contrast. This invention includes a direct-ray attenuation-rate acquiring section for acquiring a direct-ray attenuation rate from a dose of direct radiation entering into a subject and a dose of direct radiation emitted from the subject. In this invention, a direct-ray attenuation rate is acquired on an assumption that a primary indirect-ray attenuation rate is equal to the direct-ray attenuation rate, the primary indirect-ray attenuation rate being a rate of decreasing a primary indirect-ray generated with the compensating filter that transmits the subject. Such configuration may achieve provision of X-ray apparatus that allows more simple acquisition of a fluoroscopic X-ray image or a sectional image without performing complicated calculations conventionally.

Abstract: For acquiring an image of a moving region of interest of an object, a corresponding X-ray image acquisition apparatus may include a semitransparent X-ray transmitting device comprised in a collimator which is positioned within a beam of irradiating X-rays thereby at least partly shielding regions on a surface of a detector. After acquiring an X-ray image by detecting X-rays transmitted through the object, the position of the device is automatically adjusted based on image information included in the at least partly shielded region on the detector surface. Taking into account X-ray absorption properties of the device, a virtual image may be calculated, the virtual image corresponding to an X-ray image as if there was no X-ray absorption within the collimator. From this virtual image, the region of interest may be derived, and wedges of said device may be positioned to continuously follow the region of interest.

Abstract: An X-ray distribution adjusting filter, and a CT apparatus and method thereof are provided, in which the X-ray distribution adjusting filter has a hollow inner part, and when rotating, a shape thereof is changed according to rotation angles, such that intensity distribution of X-rays radiating toward a subject may be adjusted.