Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention provide a method of determining a material characteristic of material in a sample by iterative tomographic reconstruction. The method conducts one or more X-ray tomography scans of a sample, and then determines one or more estimated material characteristics, such as atomic number and density, for multiple volume elements in the sample using a tomographic reconstruction algorithm. These estimated material characteristics are then modified by reference to stored known material characteristic data. Preferably, determining the composition of the sample volume during reconstruction includes segmenting the sample into regions of common composition, the segmenting being performed during iterative reconstruction instead of being based on the voxel characteristics determined upon the completion of iterative reconstruction.

Abstract: Provided herein is a radiography apparatus including an X-ray source configured to irradiate a subject radiation, and a sensing module configured to sense the radiation having passed through the subject, wherein the X-ray source includes a cathode electrode comprising an electric field emitting source configured to emit electrons, an anode electrode disposed opposite to the cathode electrode and configured to use the electrons to generate the radiation, and a current control unit connected to the cathode electrode to control an amount of the electrons.

Abstract: A method is for generating CT image data with spectral information from an examination region of a patient. According to an embodiment, the examination region is exposed to polychromatic X-radiation. Data from the examination region, including a first projection measurement data record and at least one second projection measurement data record, is captured via a photon counting detector. At least one second projection measurement data record with reduced resolution is generated based upon the at least one second projection measurement data record. The first and at least one second projection measurement data records are then transmitted to an image generation unit. Finally, the resolution of the first projection measurement data record is transferred onto the at least one second projection measurement data record with reduced resolution and/or an image data record based on the at least one second projection measurement data record with reduced resolution. A system is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and system for decomposing a high-energy dual-energy X-ray CT material are disclosed. In the method, two types of effect such as Compton effect and electron pairing effect which dominates are reserved and the influence of the other effect such a photoelectric effect is removed so as to improve the accuracy of the material decomposition. The unique advantage of the present disclosure is to effectively remove the error of the calculated atomic number Z due to directly selecting two effects during processes of material decomposition in the conventional dual-energy CT method. This may greatly improve the accuracy of dual-energy CT identification of the material, and it is important to improve the conventional dual-use CT imaging system applications, such as clinical therapy, security inspection, industrial non-destructive testing, customs anti-smuggling and other fields.

Abstract: In an X-ray scanning apparatus mounted with a photon counting type radiation detector, a data processing device of the X-ray scanning apparatus includes a correction unit that corrects a digital output value in each of the plurality of energy ranges with respect to each X-ray detection element in order to obtain an accurate projection image by correcting a counting error of the number of X-ray photons in each energy range. The correction unit includes an inflow amount calculation portion that calculates a digital amount corresponding to X-ray photons which flow from a certain X-ray detection element to another X-ray detection element, and an energy shift inflow amount/outflow amount calculation portion that calculates a digital amount corresponding to X-ray photons which flow into a high energy range due to energy shift in a single X-ray detection element, and performs correction by using the digital amounts calculated by the calculation portions.

Abstract: A segmentation-and-spectrum-based metal artifact reduction (MAR) system and method is applied in polychromatic X-ray CT system that uses a priori knowledge of high-Z metals in samples which contribute the primary artifacts at a known x-ray energy spectrum. Using a basis materials decomposition, the method solves the problem of reducing or eliminating metal artifacts associated with beam hardening using only a single scan of the sample performed at selected x-ray energy.

Abstract: A system includes memory (420) with instructions for at least one of processing spectral CT projection data to mitigate at least one of noise of the spectral CT projection data or a noise induced bias of the spectral CT projection data or generating a decomposition algorithm that mitigates the noise induced bias of the spectral CT projection data. The system further includes a processor (418) that executes the instructions and at least one of processes the spectral CT projection data or generates the decomposition algorithm and decomposes the spectral CT projection data to basis materials. The system further includes a reconstructor (434) that reconstructs the basis materials, thereby generating spectral images.

Abstract: There is provided a method for processing a radiographic image acquired with at least two energy levels. A first step (S1) involves providing energy-resolved image data representative of the radiographic image with at least two energy levels, e.g. from a detector or from an intermediate storage. A second step (S2) involves decomposing the provided image data into at least one basis image representation, based on a model where a combination of at least two basis functions is used to express a representation of at least one linear attenuation coefficient, and where at least one basis function models a physical material and at least one other basis function models the Non-Linear Partial Volume, NLPV, effect.

Abstract: A method displays spectral image data reconstructed from spectral projection data with a first reconstruction algorithm and segmented image data reconstructed from the same spectral projection data with a different reconstruction algorithm, which is different from the first reconstruction algorithm. The method includes reconstructing spectral projection data with the first reconstruction algorithm, which generates the spectral image data and displaying the spectral image data. The method further includes reconstructing the spectral projection data with the different reconstruction algorithm, which generates segmentation image data, segmenting the segmentation image data, which produces the segmented image data, and displaying the segmented image data.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a multi-spectrum X-ray grating-based imaging system and imaging method. In one illustrative implementation, an exemplary multi-spectrum X-ray grating-based imaging system according to the present disclosure may comprise an incoherent X-ray source for emitting X-rays to irradiate an object to be detected, a grating module comprising a first absorption grating and a second absorption grating which are disposed in parallel to each other and are sequentially arranged in an X-ray propagation direction, and an energy-resolved detecting device for receiving the X-rays that have passed through the first absorption grating and the second absorption grating.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a system, method and storage medium for generating an image. At least one processor, when executing instructions, may perform one or more of the following operations. When raw data is received, a plurality of iterations may be implemented. During each iteration, a first voxel value relating to a first voxel in an image is calculated; at least a portion of a second voxel may be continuously changed with respect to at least a portion of the first voxel value; the image may be transformed to a projection domain to generate an estimated projection based on the first voxel value and the second voxel value; a projection error may be obtained based on the estimated projection and the raw data; and the image may be corrected or updated based on the projection error.

Abstract: Provided is a photon counting CT device for estimating an exposure dose to a subject, precisely in a simple configuration, irrespective of a spectrum shape of X-rays being applied. An exposure dose derived from the X-rays with predetermined intensity is obtained in every energy range provided in advance, and held as exposure per band data. When an imaging condition is provided, X-rays are applied in accordance with the imaging condition thus provided, and a photon count (intensity) of the incident X-rays as to each energy range is obtained, in the shape of spectrum of the X-rays applied to a detector without placing the subject. The intensity of the incident X-rays is multiplied by the exposure per band, and the results as to all the energy ranges are added up. Accordingly, the exposure dose caused by the X-rays being applied in accordance with the provided imaging condition is estimated.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a computed tomography (CT) acquisition unit and a processing unit. The CT acquisition unit includes an X-ray source and a CT detector. The processing unit is configured to determine a voltage delivery configuration for the X-ray source based on at least one of a patient size, a clinical task, or scan parameters. The voltage delivery configuration includes at least one of a transition configuration or a voltage threshold. The transition configuration corresponds to a transition between a high voltage and a low voltage. Portions of acquired data acquired above the voltage threshold are grouped as high energy data and portions acquired below the voltage threshold are grouped as low energy data. The processing unit is also configured to implement the voltage delivery configuration on the CT acquisition unit, and to control the CT acquisition unit to perform an imaging scan using the determined voltage delivery configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining PET scanning time are provided. According to an example of the method, a CT image is divided into multiple single-bed CT images according to bed information of bed positions for a PET scan, wherein the CT image is obtained by performing a CT scan on a subject of the PET scan, and a one-to-one corresponding relation exists between the multiple single-bed CT images and all of the beds. A residual true coincidence count ratio is estimated for each of the beds based on corresponding single-bed CT image of the bed, and then a scanning time proportion for each of the beds may be determined based on each of the residual true coincidence count ratios for the beds.

Abstract: There is provided a method for processing a radiographic image acquired with at least two energy levels. A first step (S1) involves providing energy-resolved image data representative of the radiographic image with at least two energy levels, e.g. from a detector or from an intermediate storage. A second step (S2) involves decomposing the provided image data into at least one basis image representation, based on a model where a combination of at least two basis functions is used to express a representation of at least one linear attenuation coefficient, and where at least one basis function models a physical material and at least one other basis function models the Non-Linear Partial Volume, NLPV, effect.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selecting high and low energy scanning voltages for a dual energy CT scanner are provided. The method may comprise: setting a criterion of selection for selecting high and low energy scanning voltages; generating combinations of high and low energy scanning voltages according to all scanning voltages supported by a dual energy CT scanner, wherein each of the combinations may comprise a high energy scanning voltage and a low energy scanning voltage; and selecting a combination of high and low energy scanning voltages from the generated combinations of high and low energy scanning voltages based on the criterion of selection.

Abstract: An X-ray detector is disclosed, including a detection unit to generate a detection signal for incident X-ray radiation; a signal analysis module to determine a set of count rates for incident X-ray radiation based upon the detection signal and signal analysis parameters for X-ray radiation; and a switchover control unit for switching between first signal analysis parameters and second signal analysis parameters. When an amount of X-ray radiation is incident on the detection module, a first set of count rates is generated for a first time interval based upon first signal analysis parameters and a second set of count rates is generated for a second time interval based upon second signal analysis parameters, different from the first signal analysis parameters. An X-ray imaging system including the detector; a method for determining count rates for X-ray radiation; and a method for calibrating signal analysis parameters are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods and apparatus are disclosed for obtaining differential phase contrast imaging system and methods for same. Method and apparatus embodiments can provide regularized phase contrast retrieval that can address noise reduction and/or edge enhancement. Certain exemplary embodiments can suppress stripe artifacts occurring in the process of integration of noisy differential phase data. Further, certain exemplary embodiments can use transmission images and/or dark-field images to improve or restore phase contrast images affected by noise edges.

Abstract: An X-ray product quality online inspection device of the present invention comprises: a distributed X-ray source having a plurality of targets and being able to generate X-rays for irradiating an inspected product from the plurality of targets in a predetermined sequence; a detector for receiving the X-rays generated by the distributed X-ray source and outputting a signal representing characteristics of the received X-rays; a transport device which is located between the distributed X-ray source and the detector for carrying the inspected product to pass through an X-ray radiation region, wherein the transport device is arranged as a continuous transport mechanism which matches a production line of the inspected product; and a power supply and control device, which is used to supply power to and control the X-ray product quality online inspection device.

Abstract: A tomography imaging apparatus and a tomography imaging method are provided. The tomography imaging apparatus includes a data acquirer configured to acquire first X-ray data of an object for each of energy bands, and an image preprocessor configured to perform a beam hardening correction on the first X-ray data for each of the energy bands, to generate second X-ray data of the object. The tomography imaging apparatus further includes an image reconstructor configured to reconstruct a tomography image of the object based on the second X-ray data.

Abstract: A method includes determining a permeability metric of vascular tissue of interest based on a first time enhancement curve and second time enhancement curve corresponding to a first contrast material and a second contrast material flowing through the vascular tissue of interest and generating a signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A mobile radiography apparatus has a moveable (e.g., wheeled) transport frame and an adjustable column mounted at the frame. A boom apparatus supported by the adjustable column can support an x-ray source assembly. Radiation or X-ray source assembly methods and/or apparatus embodiments can provide mobile radiography carts a capability to direct x-ray radiation towards a subject from one or a plurality of different source positions, where the X-ray source assembly includes a first x-ray power source and a second plurality of distributed x-ray sources disposed in a prescribed spatial relationship.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of processing X-ray projection data including spectral computed tomography (CT) projection data. The spectral CT data is decomposed into material projection lengths using a material-decomposition method that includes an initial-estimate method to provide an initial projection-lengths estimate. The initial-estimate method can include first reconstructing an image using non-spectral CT data, and then subdividing the reconstructed image into materials according to the relative attenuation density of areas within the reconstructed image (e.g., high attenuation areas correspond to a high attenuation material such as bone). The projection length estimates of each material are then obtained by forward projecting the corresponding subdivision of the reconstructed image. Also, the initial estimate can be obtained/refined by selecting the projection lengths with smallest cost-function value from randomly chosen projection lengths within a sample space.

Abstract: The present invention is capable of distinguishing four types or more of substances such as air, water (soft tissues), contrast medium, and bones (calcification) to diagnose progress of atherosclerotic sites using dual energy imaging. A subject is imaged with two types of different tube voltages and an image obtained by image reconstruction is binarized to carry out a reprojection process; thereby, the distance of penetration of air is estimated, the contribution of air in measurement projection data is determined, and the amount of reduction by the air is deducted from the projection data so as to enable distinction between four or more substances such as air, water (soft tissues), contrast medium, and bones (calcification).

Abstract: A method includes performing a contrast enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of tissue of interest of a subject, with an imaging system (100) having a radiation source (112) and a detector array (118), in which a peak contrast enhancement of the tissue of interest, a full range of motion of the tissue of interest, and an entire volume of interest of the tissue of interest are concurrently imaged during a single rotation of the radiation source and the detector array of the imaging system over an entire or a predetermined sub-portion of a breathing cycle.

Abstract: A method is provided for evaluating a geological formation which integrates well data and high resolution computed tomography of rock samples thereof. Relationships are determined for a formation between a formation property, such as an elastic property, and at least one of photoelectric effect index (PEF), effective atomic number (Zeff), and bulk density (RHOB), using well data, and tomographic imaging is used to determine at least one of the latter mentioned properties (PEF, Zeff, RHOB) at higher resolution, which can be used in the relationship to determine a corresponding formation property. This affords an opportunity to develop formation property data for more challenging formations to evaluate, such as thinly laminated formations or others. Computerized systems, computer program products on non-transitory computer usable storage media, and programs for performing the methods are also provided.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more techniques and/or systems are described for correcting projection data generated from a computed tomography (CT) examination of an object and/or for computing or updating a CT value of the object from the projection data. An image generator is configured to generate a CT image of an object under examination. Using this CT image, a set of actions are performed to correct projection data from which the CT image was generated and/or to update a CT value of one or more voxels within the CT image. In this way, the projection data and/or CT image is adjusted to reduce image artifacts and/or otherwise improve image quality and/or object detection.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus that includes a plurality of sensors and a control unit, wherein the control unit performs a first control of monitoring, after a radiation irradiation is started, a signal of a first sensor and accumulating the monitored signal of the first sensor, a second control of outputting, in response to a calculated value obtained by the accumulation and reaching a target value, a control signal to end the radiation irradiation, and a third control of reading out, after the radiation irradiation is ended, the signals of the respective plurality of sensors, and the control unit changes a monitoring cycle of the first control based on the target value and an elapsed time since the radiation irradiation has been started.

Abstract: A medical data processing method for determining a change in the position of a soft tissue body part of a patient's body, the data processing method being constituted to be executed by a computer and comprising the following steps: a) acquiring (S10, S20) bony body part planned position data comprising bony body part planned position information describing a planned position of a bony body part of the patient's body; b) acquiring (S10, S20) soft tissue body part planned position data comprising soft tissue body part planned position information describing a planned position of the soft tissue body part; c) acquiring (S11, S21) bony body part actual position data comprising bony body part actual position information describing an actual position of the bony body part; d) acquiring (S11, S21) soft tissue body part actual position data comprising soft tissue body part actual position information describing an actual position of the soft tissue body part; e) determining (S12, S22), based on the bony body part pla

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods, machines, and non-transitory computer-readable medium having one or more computer programs stored therein to enhance core analysis planning for a plurality of core samples of subsurface material. Embodiments can include positioning electronic depictions of structure of encased core samples of subsurface material on a display and determining portions of each of the images as different planned sample types thereby to virtually mark each of the images. Planned sample types can include, for example, full diameter samples, special core analysis samples, conventional core analysis samples, and mechanical property samples. Embodiments further can include transforming physical properties of encased core samples of subsurface material into images responsive to one or more penetrative scans by use of one or more computerized tomography (CT) scanners.

Abstract: In the present embodiments, a statement related to an image point or an image region in a reconstructed x-ray image is made in relation to the reliability of the reconstructed grayscale value for the image points of a 2D/3D x-ray image. A confidence level is formed for the grayscale value from a first number of the available x-ray images in relation to a second number of required x-ray images for a complete reconstruction of the respective grayscale value of the 2D/3D x-ray image to be imaged.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided that includes a digital processing circuit to obtain a digital signal corresponding to an output signal of a photon-counting detector; determine, from the obtained digital signal, a plurality of X-ray photons received by the photon-counting detector during a measurement period; determine a corresponding energy level of each of the plurality of X-ray photons; determine, based on the corresponding energy level, a corresponding weight for each of the plurality of X-ray photons; and calculate a sum of the corresponding weights of the plurality of X-ray photons.

Abstract: A digital radiographic detector uses predetermined calibration information corresponding to a first operating temperature of the detector. The calibration data is accessible by the detector to compensate a radiographic image captured by the detector at a second operating temperature different than the first operating temperature. The operating temperature of the detector is monitored at approximately the time at which the radiographic image is captured at the second temperature.

Abstract: The following generally relates to scaling irregularity maps based at least on one of a histogram bin width, an image noise or a contrast agent concentration. A method includes obtaining a non-scaled irregularity map generated based on local weighted histograms of voxel distributions about voxels of interest from volumetric image data of a subject or object. The local weighted histograms include a plurality of bins having a predetermined bin width. The local weights are determined based on a predetermined cluster length. The method further includes scaling the non-scaled irregularity map, generating a scaled irregularity map. The non-scaled irregularity map is scaled based at least on the histogram bin width.

Abstract: A radiation imaging apparatus includes a plurality of conversion elements configured to convert radiation into an electric signal to obtain a radiation image, a sensor for monitoring radiation, a processing unit configured to process signals output from output electrodes of the plurality of conversion elements and an output electrode of the sensor, and a shield. The signal output from the output electrode of the sensor is supplied to the processing unit via a signal line. The shield is arranged such that capacitive coupling between the output electrodes of the plurality of conversion elements and the signal line is reduced.

Abstract: A method of presenting higher dimensional data provided from a photon counting CT system includes receiving data from a photon counting CT system corresponding to materials exposed to N number of ranges of photon energy, where N is a number equal to or greater than four and generating N number of images, each image comprising pixel values corresponding to the materials exposed to the N number of ranges of photon energy. The method also includes presenting the pixel values in each of the N number of images within a two dimensional (2D) space by providing N number of axes, each axis linearly representing the pixel values in a corresponding image of the N number of images and representing each pixel value for pixels corresponding to a same location in each of the N number of images via a continuous line comprising a plurality of line segments.

Abstract: A method for performing reconstruction for a region of interest (ROI) of an object is provided. The method includes designating the ROI within the object, the ROI being located within a scan field of view (FOV) of a combined third- and fourth-generation CT scanner, the CT scanner including fixed photon-counting detectors (PCDs), and an X-ray source that rotates about the object in synchronization with a rotating detector. Further, the method includes determining, for each PCD, as a function of view angle, an on/off timing schedule, based on a size and location of the designated ROI, and performing a scan to obtain a first data set from the rotating detector and a second data set from the plurality of PCDs, while turning each PCD on and off according to the determined schedule. Finally, the method includes performing reconstruction using the first and second data sets to obtain ROI spectral images.

Abstract: Spectral x-ray imaging using a photon counting x-ray detector (PCXD) transmits a broad spectrum x-ray beam through an object, detects the transmitted x-ray beam with the PCXD and processes the detected signals to determine material characteristics of the object using both the detected signals as a function of detector layer and the detected signals as a function of the particular energy band. Each detector layer of the multiple detector layers produces at least two signals, each signal representing a detected x-ray intensity in a particular energy band, and the depth information contained in the separate read-out channels.

Abstract: A radiographic image capturing apparatus, comprising a plurality of sensors arrayed on a substrate, a driving unit, a detection unit and a control unit, wherein the control unit is configured to perform a first control controlling the driving unit so as to repeatedly initialize the plurality of sensors on a row-by-row basis before a start of emission of radiation, and a second control controlling the driving unit so as to interrupt the initialization in response to a detection signal from the detection unit and cause the plurality of sensors to output signals, and the apparatus further comprises a determination unit configured to determine whether or not the detection signal is a signal which was output in response to the start of emission of radiation.

Abstract: The present application discloses methods and systems for scanning an object. The scanning system provides a first detector region having a thickness of at least 2 mm and a second detector region having a thickness of at least 5 mm. The second detector region is arranged to receive radiation that has passed through the first detector region. The method includes irradiating the object with radiation having having a peak energy of at least 1 MeV, and detecting the first profile radiation after it has interacted with or passed through the object in order to provide information relating to the object.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus includes an X-ray generator configured to generate and emit X-rays, an X-ray detector configured to detect the X-rays and count a number of photons having energy equal to or greater than threshold energy per pixel among photons contained in the detected X-rays, a map generator configured to extract corrected threshold energy corresponding to target threshold energy mapped to each pixel, and a data correction unit configured to calculate corrected X-ray data corresponding to the corrected threshold energy per pixel from a plurality of X-ray data acquired based on a plurality of images of a target object obtained by using a plurality of approximate energies equal or approximate to the target threshold energy as threshold energy of the X-ray detector.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus of an embodiment displays an image of the inside of an object based on projection data obtained by scanning the object, and comprises a generator, a converter, an image forming part and an identifier. The generator scans the object with each of X-rays of different energy levels and generates multiple projection data. The converter converts the multiple projection data into multiple new projection data corresponding to multiple reference substances. The image forming part reconstructs each of the multiple new projection data converted by the converter, thereby forming multiple reference substance images corresponding to the multiple reference substances. The identifier identifies a target substance based on a correlation of pixel values in the multiple reference substance images.

Abstract: Z-effective (e.g., atomic number) values are generated for one or more sets of voxels in a CT density image using sparse (measured) multi-energy projection data. Voxels in the CT density image are assigned a starting z-effective value, causing a CT z-effective image to be generated from the CT density image. The accuracy of the assigned z-effective values is tested by forward projecting the CT z-effective image to generate synthetic multi-energy projection data and comparing the synthetic multi-energy projection data to the sparse multi-energy projection data. When the measure of similarity between the synthetic data and the sparse data is low, the z-effective value assigned to one or more voxels is modified until the measure of similarity is above a specified threshold (e.g., with an associated confidence score), at which point the z-effective values substantially reflect the z-effective values that would be obtained using a (more expensive) dual-energy CT imaging modality.

Abstract: Imaging methods, apparatus and systems are provided for using different irradiation frequencies to generate a composite three-dimensional image. One exemplary method for imaging a semiconductor device involves irradiating the semiconductor device with a first frequency of electromagnetic radiation, obtaining a first radiation response from the semiconductor device in response to the first frequency of electromagnetic radiation, irradiating the semiconductor device with a second frequency of electromagnetic radiation, obtaining a second radiation response from the semiconductor device in response to the second frequency of electromagnetic radiation, and generating a composite image of the semiconductor device based at least in part on the first radiation response and the second radiation response.

Abstract: A radiation generating apparatus includes a cathode array including a plurality of electron emitting portions, and an anode array including a plurality of targets and a chained connection unit that connects the targets. The chained connection unit includes a plurality of shielding members and a thermal transfer member, the shielding members being arranged at locations corresponding to the locations of the respective targets, and the thermal transfer member having a thermal conductivity higher than a thermal conductivity of the shielding members. The thermal transfer member has a portion that is continuous in a direction in which the targets are arranged.

Abstract: A method for forming a three-dimensional reconstructed image acquires two dimensional measured radiographic projection images over a set of projection angles, wherein the measured projection image data is obtained from an energy resolving detector that distinguishes first and second energy bands. A volume reconstruction has image voxel values representative of the scanned object by back projection of the measured projection data. Volume reconstruction values are iteratively modified to generate an iterative reconstruction by repeating, for angles in the set of projection angles and for each of a plurality of pixels of the detector: generating a forward projection that includes calculating an x-ray spectral distribution at each volume voxel, calculating an error value by comparing the generated forward projection value with the corresponding measured projection image value, and adjusting one or more voxel values using the calculated error value and the x-ray spectral distribution.

Abstract: A system includes an energy-discriminating, photon-counting X-ray detector, comprising a plurality of detector cells adapted to produce projection data in response to X-ray photons and to produce an electrical signal having a recorded count for the energy bins and a total energy intensity. The system also includes data processing circuitry adapted to receive the electrical signal, to generate a simulated count rate for each of the energy bins by using the total energy intensity, to determine a set of energy intensity dependent material decomposition vectors, and, for the measured projection data, to perform material decomposition.

Abstract: Contour information is extracted from nuclear medicine projection data on a subject not subjected to a scattering correction and an absorption correction by performing a pixel value binarization processing based on a threshold scheme. If necessary, an interpolation processing is performed before reconstructing an image through an image reconstruction processing. Based on the reconstructed image, a second binarization processing is performed to generate a contour image.

Abstract: Provided is a medical imaging apparatus including: a scanner configured to obtain projection data of an object; a three-dimensional restoring module configured to restore a volume of the object based on the projection data; a volume segmentation module configured to segment a plurality of material volumes corresponding to a plurality of materials included in the object based on the volume of the object; a reprojection module configured to generate a plurality of reprojection images according to the plurality of materials by reprojecting the plurality of material volumes from a plurality of virtual viewpoints; and an image fusion module configured to generate a plurality of fusion images according to the plurality of virtual viewpoints, each of the plurality of fusion images being generated by fusing reprojection images according to plurality of materials obtained from the same virtual viewpoint.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a system and method for adaptive X-ray filtration comprising a volume of X-ray attenuating material with a central less attenuating three-dimensional region. The volume of X-ray attenuating material can be positioned within 10 cm from an X-ray source and rotated around an internal axis of rotation. The volume of X-ray attenuating material can be symmetric around the internal axis while the central less attenuating region can be asymmetric around the internal axis. Rotating the volume by a predetermined angle around the internal axis can change the amount of attenuation of an X-ray beam through the filter. The volume can be rotated by the same predetermined angle as an imaging subject or X-ray source and detector are rotated during X-ray image acquisition.