Abstract: A tomographic reconstruction method and system incorporating Bayesian estimation techniques to inspect and classify regions of imaged objects, especially objects of the type typically found in linear, areal, or 3-dimensional arrays. The method and system requires a highly constrained model M that incorporates prior information about the object or objects to be imaged, a set of prior probabilities P(M) of possible instances of the object; a forward map that calculates the probability density P(D|M), and a set of projections D of the object. Using Bayesian estimation, the posterior probability p(M|D) is calculated and an estimated model MEST of the imaged object is generated. Classification of the imaged object into one of a plurality of classifications may be performed based on the estimated model MEST, the posterior probability p(M|D) or MAP function, or calculated expectation values of features of interest of the object.

Abstract: A detector for X-ray computer tomographs includes a plurality of detector modules which are mounted alongside one another on a frame. Each of the detector modules includes sensor elements for detection of the intensity of incident X-ray radiation. In order to simplify the production of calibration tables, a device for holding a pressure-contact apparatus, provided with a heating element, is provided on the detector so as to face away from the sensor elements.

Abstract: A medical X-ray device 5 arrangement for producing three-dimensional information of an object 4 in a medical X-ray imaging comprises an X-ray source 2 for X-radiating the object from at least two different directions; a detector 6 for detecting the X-radiation to form projection data of the object 4; a computational device 15 for modelling the object 4 mathematically utilizing the projection data to solve the imaging geometry and/or the motion of the object, where the solving concerns either some or all parts of the imaging geometry and/or the motion of the object. The computational device 15 utilizes said projection data and said mathematical modelling of the object in Bayesian inversion based on Bayes' formula p ? ( x , ? ? m ) = p pr ? ( ? ) ? p pr ? ( x ) ? p ? ( m ? x , ? ) p ? ( m ) to produce three-dimensional information of the object.

Abstract: A technique is provided for improving the depth resolution of tomosynthesis images. The technique provides for the use of spiral scan trajectories. The X-ray source may moved along the spiral scan trajectory, acquiring projection data at various locations on the trajectory which are offset in the z-direction, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the detector. Projection data acquired at different positions in the z-direction may be used to generate three-dimensional, tomosynthesis images having improved depth resolution.

Abstract: A display method and apparatus of an X-ray projection image for medical use wherein a projection interested area to construct the X-ray projection image of an object is set on an image layer with an extending predetermined thickness perpendicular to an X-ray radiation plane defined by rotational radiation of an X-ray beam, the projection interested area is comprised of the three dimensional X-ray absorption coefficient data, and the X-ray projection image is produced by projecting the three dimensional X-ray absorption coefficient data existing in the projection interested area with respect to a projection plane intersecting the X-ray radiation plane.

Abstract: A method of at least partially compensating for an x-ray tube target angle heel effect wherein the method includes providing an x-ray source, providing an x-ray detector having a plurality of detector rows positioned to receive x-rays from the source, and using a filter to increase uniformity of at least one of a projection noise and a spatial resolution, wherein the projection noise and the spatial resolution are non-uniform and are a function of a target angle along a z-axis.

Abstract: An inspection method utilizing vertical slice imaging. A number of horizontal slice images, extending through an object of interest, are acquired. A vertical region of interest is defined from the data representing the horizontal slice images. A vertical slice image is constructed based upon the horizontal slice image data falling within the vertical region of interest. The vertical slice image data may be analyzed to detect defects. In addition, a method is provided to detect defects in a BGA joint. The method includes locating a center of the joint. The method may further include measuring a number of diameters through the center of the joint and applying a rule to compare the measured diameters to an expected diameter.

Abstract: An imaging system for generating an image of a planar segment of an object is disclosed. The imaging system includes an x-ray source, a planar detector, and a controller. The x-ray source generates x-rays from first and second source points, the x-rays from the first and second source points passing through the object. The planar detector includes a plurality of photodetectors covered by a layer of scintillation material that converts x-rays into visible light, the planar detector is positioned to receive x-rays from the first and second source points after the x-rays have passed through the object. The controller selects which of the source points generates the x-rays at any given time. The controller reads a first image formed by x-rays from the first source point and stored in a first portion of the planar detector while a second portion of the photodetectors measures x-rays from the second source point.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a reconstruction of a tomographic dataset by filtering and combining the projection images, followed by a backprojection step. In one embodiment, the method can yield a reconstruction equivalent to an additive ART reconstruction, while in another embodiment the method represents a filtered back-projection type reconstruction. The computations do not require an iterative backprojection/re-projection step.

Abstract: A technique is provided for non-uniform weighting in back-projection calculations in tomosythesis. The non-uniform weighting may include weighting based on a count map of the number of times pixels of individual slices are traversed by radiation in different projections. Weighting may also include non-uniform functions for contributions of features at different slice level to the sensed X-ray attenuation system response inconsistencies are accounted for by further weighting based upon projection maps which may be created in separate system calibration or configuration routines.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for establishing a correction characteristic curve for a reduction of artefacts in a tomography are described. Projection data of the object is provided, wherein the projection data comprises transmission values for the object. A representation of the object is calculated from the projection data to obtain two or three-dimensional representation data for the object. A measure for the transmission length of the object is determined by using the representation data. A transmission value, which is associated to the determined measure for the transmission length, is determined and the correction characteristic curve of several determined measures is generated for transmission lengths and associated transmission values, wherein a precorrection of the projection data can be performed by using the determined correction characteristic curve, to iteratively determine the correction characteristic curve by using the precorrected transmission values.

Abstract: A multispectral X-ray imaging system uses a wideband source and filtration assembly to select for M sets of spectral data. Spectral characteristics may be dynamically adjusted in synchrony with scan excursions where an X-ray source, detector array, or body may be moved relative to one another in acquiring T sets of measurement data. The system may be used in projection imaging and/or CT imaging. Processed image data, such as a CT reconstructed image, may be decomposed onto basis functions for analytical processing of multispectral image data to facilitate computer assisted diagnostics. The system may perform this diagnostic function in medical applications and/or security applications.

Abstract: A method and computer readable medium for generating a reconstructed volumetric image from projection image data acquired from an imaging system is provided. The method comprises accessing a plurality of projection image data and generating one or more weight maps from the projection image data. The reconstructed volumetric images are then generated from the weight maps and at least one of the plurality of projection image data and a plurality of processed projection image data derived from the plurality of projection image data.

Abstract: An X-ray-tomographic imaging apparatus for obtaining image data on a predetermined tomographic section of a subject with efficiency and effectiveness by using a plurality of X-ray projection images achieved by a plurality of X-rays that is made incident on the tomographic section from different directions is provided. The X-ray-tomographic imaging apparatus comprises a solid-image pickup unit that can convert each of the X-ray projection images to a signal and read the signal by a non-destructive reading method and a control unit making the solid-image pickup unit accumulate the signals of the X-ray projection images and read the signals by the non-destructive reading method during the signal accumulation.

Abstract: An imaging system for performing tomosynthesis on a region of an object comprises an x-ray source, motion controller, an x-ray detector and a processing unit. The x-ray source is positioned at a predetermined distance from the object and continuously moves along a linear path relative to the object. The x-ray source transmits x-ray radiation through the region of the object at a plurality of predetermined locations. The motion controller is coupled to the x-ray source and continuously moves the x-ray source along the path relative to the object. The x-ray source minimizes vibration in the imaging system due to continuous movement. The x-ray detector is positioned at a predetermined distance from the x-ray source and detects the x-ray radiation transmitted through the region of the object, thus acquiring x-ray image data representative of the region of the object.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system for determining the position of the image of a target object or the position of the x-ray source in digital tomosynthesis, as the x-ray source is moved relative to the object so as to obtain multiple two-dimensional images of the object from multiple angles. At least one marker, characterized by a simple and known image pattern, is disposed between an x-ray source and a detector system. The shift in the image of the object, resulting from the movement of the x-ray source during tomosynthesis, is calculated to a desired resolution using the readily observable shift in the image of the marker. The x-ray source may be translated along a plane parallel to the plane of the detector system, or may be rotated about a fixed center.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining tomosynthesis data of an object (5) comprises a radiation source (1) emitting radiation (2) centered around an axis of symmetry (3); a radiation detector (6) comprising a stack of line detectors (6a), each being directed towards the divergent radiation source to allow a ray bundle (b1, . . . , bn, . . . , bN) of the radiation that propagates in a respective one of a plurality of different angles (?1, . . . , ?n, . . . , ?N) to enter the line detector; an object area arranged in the radiation path between the divergent radiation source and the radiation detector for housing the object; and a device (7) for moving the radiation source and the radiation detector relative the object essentially linearly in a direction (8) essentially orthogonal to the axis of symmetry, while each of the stack of line detectors is adapted to record a plurality of line images of radiation as transmitted through the object in a respective one of the plurality of different angles.

Abstract: An imaging system for performing tomosynthesis on a region of an object comprises an x-ray source, motion controller, an x-ray detector and a processing unit. The x-ray source is positioned at a predetermined distance from the object and continuously moves along a path relative to the object at a plurality of predetermined locations. The x-ray source transmits x-ray radiation through the region of the object. The motion controller is coupled to the x-ray source and continuously moves the x-ray source along the path relative to the object. The x-ray source minimizes vibration in the imaging system due to continuous movement. The x-ray detector is positioned at a predetermined distance from the x-ray source and detects the x-ray radiation transmitted through the region of the object, thus acquiring x-ray image data representative of the region of the object. The processing unit is coupled to the x-ray detector for processing the x-ray image data into at least one tomosynthesis image of the region of the object.

Abstract: For imaging a 3D data set the method of the invention comprises the following steps in succession: acquisition of images, reconstructing a 3D data set, followed by visualization, the reconstruction being started with a limited initial range of orientations around the direction of a local midprojection from a starting point so as to be visualized, the acquisition being continued during visualization and the reconstruction being updated in accordance with the additional acquisition obtained up to a final result. In particular, the selected part comprises a first visualization covering a range of from about 40° to 60°, with a midprojection at about from 20° to 30°.

Abstract: A method for smoothing is described. The method includes generating original projection data, and smoothing the original projection data based on variations in a current that is synchronous with phases of motion of an object.

Abstract: An X-ray digital tomographic image taking apparatus which divides the course from the start to end of tomographic image taking into a plurality of sections differing in quality of irradiated X-rays and creates a plurality of tomographic images from the image data differing in quality of X-rays. It also calculates a subtraction image from the plurality of tomographic images.

Abstract: A tomosynthesis system for scanning a region in an object comprises a radiation source configured to traverse in a plurality of positions yielding a plurality of scanning directions. Each of the plurality of positions corresponds to a respective scanning direction. Further, the plurality of scanning directions comprise at least a scanning direction along a first axis and a direction along a second axis, the second axis being transverse to the first axis.

Abstract: A digitized tomosynthesis method for projecting a 3D volumetric image of an object onto a virtual projection plane that comprises an alpha blend plane subdivided into a rectangular array of pixel cells. A ray of energy defines a trace representing a virtual sight path ray passing from a view point through one pixel cell of the alpha blend plane to define a view level image, wherein a 3D volumetric image of the object is projected by computing the coordinate of an object voxel referenced to the image plane, computing the image plane intercept of the ray of energy from the source through the object voxel, and forming a plurality of successively selected view level image planes at the alpha blend plane.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an X-ray source adapted to move in an arc shaped path and a stationary electronic X-ray detector. The system also includes a track and a mechanical driving mechanism which is adapted to move the X-ray source in the arc shaped path. A tomosynthesis X-ray imaging method includes mechanically moving an X-ray source in a stepped motion on an arc shaped path around an object using a track and irradiating the object with an X-ray dose from the X-ray source located at a plurality of steps along the arc shaped path. The method also includes detecting the X-rays transmitted through the object with an electronic X-ray detector, and constructing a three dimensional image of the object from a signal output by the electronic X-ray detector.

Abstract: A cotton sample is subjected to noninvasive x-ray microtomographic image analysis in order to recognize cotton contaminants in the cotton sample. The cotton contaminants are detected and classified using an x-ray microtomographic system. Once the cotton contaminants in the cotton sample are detected and classified, the cotton sample may be graded based on the type and amount of cotton contaminants present.

Abstract: A digital tomosynthesis system acquires a plurality of projection radiographs of an object and reconstructs structures of the object based on the acquired projection radiographs. The digital tomosynthesis system includes an x-ray source and a detector. The x-ray source emits a beam of x-rays, and moves in a linear trajectory relative to the detector.

Abstract: A method reconstructs 3-dimensional information of an object from projection images of said object acquired by a digital tomosynthesis system having an x-ray source following a trajectory relative to the object and a detector. The method comprises determining mathematical relationships between Fourier Transforms of logical slices through the object and Fourier Transforms of projection images of the object. Moreover, a digital tomosynthesis system includes a detector and an x-ray source traversing a trajectory a constant distance from a plane containing the detector. A computer of the digital tomosynthesis system reconstructs 3-dimensional images of an object by determining mathematical relationships between Fourier Transforms of logical slices through the object with Fourier Transforms of projection images of the object.

Abstract: A tomosynthesis system for scanning a region in an object comprises a radiation source configured to traverse in a plurality of positions yielding a plurality of scanning directions. Each of the plurality of positions corresponds to a respective scanning direction. Further, the plurality of scanning directions comprise at least a scanning direction along a first axis and a direction along a second axis, the second axis being transverse to the first axis.

Abstract: In the first process, imaging is performed to obtain a tomosynthesis surface setting image. In X-ray tomosynthesis imaging, a subject (9) to be imaged is imaged while laid down on a bed table (25). An X-ray generator (13) and X-ray image detector (19) are positioned to laterally image the subject (9) in this lying state. In the second process, tomosynthesis surface information such as the position, range, and shape of a tomosynthesis surface is set. In the third process, a path, tomosynthesis angle, and fan angle are calculated to obtain a necessary amount of set tomosynthesis surface information, thereby executing data acquisition.

Abstract: A technique is provided for reducing contrast variability in images produced by tomosynthesis. In particular, contrast variability in images produced by a radiation source which has a linear or elongated scan path is reduced. The technique filters the radiographic projections or the reconstructed image slices in a direction transverse to the scan-direction of the radiation source to reduce contrast variations related to the orientation of the structure and the scan geometry.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for acquiring off-axis X-ray images of a plurality of regions of interest. The apparatus includes a source producing a beam of radiation, a surface to support at least a subset of the plurality of regions of interest, and a X-ray detector located to simultaneously receive portions of the beam that have passed through the subset of the plurality of regions of interest. The X-ray detector produces from the received portions of the beam an electronic representation of an image for each region of interest in the subset of the plurality of regions of interest. Any combination of the source, the surface, and the detector may be moveable to position the regions of interest within the beam.

Abstract: An X-ray-tomographic imaging apparatus for obtaining image data on a predetermined tomographic section of a subject with efficiency and effectiveness by using a plurality of X-ray projection images achieved by a plurality of X-rays that is made incident on the tomographic section from different directions is provided. The X-ray-tomographic imaging apparatus comprises a solid-image pickup unit that can convert each of the X-ray projection images to a signal and read the signal by a non-destructive reading method and a control unit making the solid-image pickup unit accumulate the signals of the X-ray projection images and read the signals by the non-destructive reading method during the signal accumulation.

Abstract: An X-ray digital tomographic image taking apparatus which divides the course from the start to end of tomographic image taking into a plurality of sections differing in quality of irradiated X-rays and creates a plurality of tomographic images from the image data differing in quality of X-rays. It also calculates a subtraction image from the plurality of tomographic images.

Abstract: There is provided a method of constructing a three dimensional (3D) image of an object from a plurality of two dimensional (2D) views of the object, comprising the steps of filtering the plurality of 2D views of the object, and order statistics-based backprojecting the filtered 2D views into the 3D image of the object.

Abstract: A The medical diagnostic imaging apparatus includes a source (12) for generating x-rays, an image receptor (26) for receiving the x-rays and generating image data, and an image processing subsystem (6) for generating corrected image data from the image data acquired by the image receptor. The image processing subsystem includes a processor (46) that is programmed to generate noise image data (54) by high-pass filtering (52) uncorrected diagnostic image data acquired by the image receptor, to determine statistical data (64, 66) from a first subset (56) of the noise image data, and to correct a subset (36) of the uncorrected diagnostic image data based on the statistical data, the subset of the uncorrected diagnostic image data corresponding to the subset of the noise image data.

Abstract: In a radiation tomography device, in case a wide photographing area is required, even if a resolution capability in a depth direction of a section of a subject including an intersection of a rotation axis and a radiation irradiating axis is low, a small Laminographic angle &agr;1 is set. In case a high resolution capability is required in the depth direction, even if the photographing area is narrow, a large Laminographic angle &agr;2 is set. Since a balance between the resolution capability in the depth direction of the subject and the photographing area can be adjusted by varying the Laminographic angle, the photographing modes can be freely selected to thereby carry out the tomography suitable for the photographing requirement.

Abstract: There is provided a method of constructing a three dimensional (3D) image of an object from a plurality of two dimensional (2D) views of the object, comprising the steps of filtering the plurality of 2D views of the object, and order statistics-based backprojecting the filtered 2D views into the 3D image of the object.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for generating at least one three-dimensional image of an object volume. The three-dimensional image is generated by applying a selected three-dimensional (3D) visualization technique on the tomosynthesis data. The tomosynthesis data of the object volume is obtained by an imaging device for irradiating the volume with radiation at a plurality of radiating positions. The imaging device generates a plurality of spaced-apart planar images through the object volume from a plurality of projection radiographs which are derived by detecting radiation at the plurality of radiating positions.

Abstract: A method for removing scatter in an image includes acquiring data of an object of interest, and using an iterative equation including a thickness-dependent kernel modulation factor to reconstruct an image of the object.

Abstract: An X-ray device for the formation of slice images of an object to be examined including an X-ray source, an X-ray detector, a transport device for moving the object during the acquisition of a series of X-ray projection images of the object in a movement plane situated parallel to the imaging plane, and a control device for controlling the acquisition of the X-ray projection images and the transport device. Slice images of the object are formed from the X-ray projection images by a tomosynthesis method.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for inspecting electronic component orientation along with x-ray verification of connection integrity is presented. An comprises providing an electronic component 100 for surface mount integration and providing an x-ray visible orientation indicator 300, 402, 500, 600 for the electronic component 100 such that proper orientation of the electronic component 100 is verifiable by x-ray inspection after performing surface mount integration of the electronic component. The x-ray inspection also makes connection integrity of the electronic component 100 verifiable.

Abstract: An improved scintillator detector cell geometry for converting radiation to light with improved light collection is provided. Shaping the exit face of a scintillator to increase the surface area of the exit face results in a decrease in a fraction of angles that undergo total internal reflection within the scintillator. The scintillator has the advantage of preventing total internal reflection parallel, as well as perpendicular, to the detecting surface of a light collection device. Further, providing a specular reflector on a hemispherical dome portion of the radiation detecting surface of the scintillator results in reduced bounce-off the specular reflector before light contacts the scintillator-photodiode interface. Furthermore, implementing a convex shape when coated with the specular reflector increases the fraction of light directed toward the photodiode compared to a plane surface parallel to the photodiode.

Abstract: An X-ray three-dimensional imaging method in which the step of irradiating an object of imaging with X-rays from an X-ray tube so as to obtain a radioactivity density as an X-ray original image is performed with at least positions of X-ray irradiation changed, thus obtaining X-ray original images at respective X-ray irradiation positions; and the step of performing irradiation from an X-ray irradiation position in a specified position with respect to a certain observation point in the object is performed, so that an X-ray transmissivity obtained by dividing planar density of radioactivity of X-rays passing through an observation point by planar density of radioactivity if it is assumed that no object of imaging is present is obtained from pixels determined from positions of the irradiation position and observation point within the X-ray original image that corresponds to the irradiation position.

Abstract: A method of reconstructing a tomogram of an X-ray apparatus. The tomogram reconstructing method includes obtaining model information and a transmission image of a subject. A tomogram is reconstructed from the transmission image using the model information. The reconstructed tomogram obtained is then displayed.

Abstract: A method is provided for acquiring digital x-ray images. Scan parameters designating slices of interest from a patient anatomy are identified. The travel distance and the speed of the x-ray tube and the detector are determined from the scan parameters. The patient is scanned in a first direction to obtain a first x-ray image utilizing a servo-tomo function based on the scan parameters. The image is saved in an image storage device and is displayed. The patient is scanned in a second direction to obtain a second x-ray image utilizing the servo-tomo function based on the scan parameters. The image is saved and displayed simultaneously with the first image in a multi-image format. After each scan, the operator may modify the scan parameters designating a slice of interest before initiating the next scan.

Abstract: A method of reconstructing a tomogram of an X-ray apparatus. The tomogram reconstructing method includes obtaining model information and a transmission image of a subject. A tomogram is reconstructed from the transmission image using the model information. The reconstructed tomogram obtained is then displayed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for analyzing for images in an x-ray inspection system are provided. One embodiment is a system for analyzing images in an x-ray inspection system. Briefly described, one such system comprises: a means for receiving an image of an object that is generated by an x-ray inspection system, the image of the object having a first field of view (FOV); a means for determining whether the first FOV associated with the image of the object matches a reference FOV corresponding to design data that models the object being inspected by the x-ray inspection system; and a means for modifying the design data based on the difference between the first FOV and the reference FOV.

Abstract: The origin of a cone or fan beam of B, &ggr;, or x radiation is moved in a continuous path such as a circle or is stepped among a two-dimensional grid of preselected points. The cone beam of radiation passes through a patient (14) in an imaging region (12) and is detected by a detector array (16). A data collection circuit (20) samples the detector array to generate radiation intensity sub-images. A circuit (56) monitors the shifting of the focal spot and controls an image shifting circuit (58) to shift physical coordinates of the sampled sub-image analogously. A sub-imaging combining circuit (60) interleaves or otherwise combines spatially shifted sub-images. In one embodiment, the combined sub-images forms a higher resolution composite image representation. In another embodiment, a plurality of combined, spatially shifted sub-images are collected at angularly offset orientations around the subject and are reconstructed into a higher resolution composite image representation.

Abstract: In an X-ray tomography apparatus and a method of taking tomograms inside an object through the use of the X-ray tomography apparatus, positioning of the object and operation for taking tomograms are carried out in accordance with the following procedures. An X-ray beam is irradiated to the object. An X-ray beam transmitting through the object is detected and a transmission image of the object is generated on the basis of the detected X-ray beam. While watching the transmission image of the object on a display, the object is moved by means of a moving mechanism coupled to a drive unit to change an X-ray irradiation area of the object and the object is stopped at a desired position. The moving mechanism is disconnected from the drive unit. The object irradiated with the X-ray beam is rotated by means of a rotating mechanism about a rotation axis inclined with respect to an irradiation axis of the X-ray beam.

Abstract: Discrete tomographic apparatus comprises an electron microscope for irradiating a sample comprising an atomic lattice structure. Line count data is obtained for the main directions of a cross section of the sample. A non-linear programming algorithm is applied to obtain probabilities of occupancy of lattice sites by atoms of the sample. The non-linear programming algorithm comprises an iterative application of the expectation/maximization algorithm upper bounded by the constraint that each variable is valued at less than or equal to one. Once the algorithm is iteratively applied a phantom image of the cross section of the sample is generated. The cross sectional area may be less than one thousand atoms by one thousand atoms.