Abstract: An imaging system (400) includes a radiation source (408) configured to emit X-ray radiation, a detector array (410) configured to detected X-ray radiation and generate projection data indicative thereof, and a first processing chain (418) configured to reconstruct the projection data and generate a noise only image. A method includes receiving projection data produced by an imaging system and processing the projection data with a first processing chain configured to reconstruct the projection data and generate a noise only image. A processor is configured to: scan an object or subject with an x-ray imaging system and generating projection data, process the projection data with a first processing chain configured to reconstruct the projection data and generate a noise only image, process the projection data with a second processing chain configured to reconstruct the projection data and generate a structure image, and de-noise the structure image based on the noise only image.

Abstract: Information of constituent substances of an object is reconstructed with high accuracy without being influenced by a decrease in measurement accuracy even if measurement in which a tube voltage is changed is not performed. A CT apparatus includes: a detection unit configured to obtain measurement information based on a detection result of radiation irradiated based on a constant tube voltage; an obtaining unit configured to obtain second measurement information of the radiation based on a moment of the measurement information obtained by detecting the radiation a plurality of times; a classification unit configured to classify an object into a plurality of substances; and a reconstruction unit configured to reconstruct the information of the constituent substances of the object based on the second information.

Abstract: A radiography apparatus includes: a radiation detector having an imaging surface that detects radiation transmitted through an object and captures a projection image of the object; and a radiation source that has a plurality of radiation tubes which emit the radiation to the imaging surface at different irradiation angles and includes a plurality of units in which the plurality of radiation tubes are divided and accommodated.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a sensitivity correction method includes acquiring count rates for respective pixels in a photon counting detector; preparing incident dose adjustment materials for the respective pixels based on the count rates for the respective pixels; and providing the incident dose adjustment materials in a surface of the photon counting detector.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a data processing method and device. The data processing method comprises steps of: performing detector response calibration based on a detector response obtained by an incidence of rays with known energy into a detector to obtain a detector response model; obtaining a photon counting model of the detector between incident energy spectrum data of the detector and detected energy spectrum data of the detector based on the detector response model; and performing a deconvolution operation on counts of photons in respective energy regions in the detected energy spectrum data of the detector based on the photon counting model of the detector, to obtain real counts of photons in respective energy regions in the incident energy spectrum data of the detector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus correct a computed tomography (CT) image with motion artifacts. The method of correcting a CT image may include: obtaining a reconstruction image of an object by reconstructing an X-ray projection image; measuring a parameter value related to motion artifacts that occur due to movement of the object in at least one of the X-ray projection image or the reconstruction image; calculating a correction possibility for the reconstruction image based on the measured parameter value; and determining whether to perform correction on the reconstruction image based on the calculated correction possibility.

Abstract: The disclosed system includes an emitter array for generating x-rays, a detector array for sensing a flux of x-rays transmitted through a region of interest; apparatus for holding, moving and aligning the emitter array relative to the region of interest and the detector array; electronic means for controlling the emitters and for reading and analyzing the output from the detectors and converting it to image data, and a display for displaying and manipulating the image data. The individual emitters are operated in multiple groups each illuminating a region of interest between the emitter array and the detector array such that the cone of radiation rays projected on the detector array from any single emitter in any one such group is substantially spatially separated from the corresponding projected cones from all other emitters in that same group.

Abstract: In order to determine noise intensity more accurately by a projection data division method using data after fan-parallel conversion, a plurality of projection data obtained by irradiating a scan object with radiations are received and subjected to prescribed data conversion; data after the conversion is divided into two or more sets; a reconstructed image is generated for each set of data; and the generated reconstructed image for each of the sets is subtracted to generate a difference image. An index indicating pixel value variation for at least one prescribed region on the difference image is calculated, the value of the index is corrected by a previously calculated correction value, and the corrected index value is regarded as noise intensity of the region.

Abstract: An X-ray image diagnostic apparatus according to an embodiment includes a photon counting X-ray detector, calibration circuitry, and image generating circuitry. The photon counting X-ray detector includes a plurality of detection elements each of which is configured to detect X-rays and output a detection signal. The calibration circuitry calibrates a detection signal of each of the detection elements using a correction value calculated from a plurality of signals output from the detection elements and corresponding to a plurality of X-ray application conditions relating to continuous X-rays. The image generating circuitry generates an image using the calibrated detection signals of the detection elements.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing an optimized energy bin parameter set for photon-counting spectral computed tomography. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving photon-counting spectral computed tomography data related to a plurality of energy bins and an initial energy bin parameter set; and performing iteration steps of a plurality of iteration steps. An input of the first iteration step of the plurality of iteration steps includes the initial energy bin parameter set as an input energy bin parameter set and the input of each further iteration step of the plurality of iteration steps includes an adjusted energy bin parameter set calculated in the preceding iteration step of the plurality of iteration steps as the input energy bin parameter set.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for computed tomography imaging. The method may comprise obtaining original data; obtaining a preprocessing result by preprocessing the original data; obtaining intensity of the artifact based on the preprocessing result; and updating a damaged channel or the air correction table based on the intensity of the artifact. Updating the air correction table may comprise: obtaining a first air correction table corresponding to a first temperature of detector; obtaining real-time temperature of detector; and obtaining a second air correction table corresponding to the real-time temperature based on the real-time temperature and the first air correction table.

Abstract: A method may include obtaining a first set of projection data with respect to a first dose level; reconstructing, based on the first set of projection data, a first image; determining a second set of projection data based on the first set of projection data, the second set of projection data relating to a second dose level that is lower than the first dose level; reconstructing a second image based on the second set of projection data; and training a first neural network model based on the first image and the second image. In some embodiments, the trained first neural network model may be configured to convert a third image to a fourth image, the fourth image exhibiting a lower noise level and corresponding to a higher dose level than the third image.

Abstract: A method is for setting a contrast of a multi-energy CT image representation. In an embodiment of the method, a plurality of multispectral image datasets of an examination region of a patient are received. Furthermore, an automated identification of a structure to be examined is achieved based upon the multispectral image datasets and an automated combining of the differently weighted multispectral image datasets is accomplished such that the contrast between the structure to be examined and its environment is improved compared to a uniform weighting. Further, a multi-energy CT imaging method is described. An image setting device is also described. In addition, a computed tomography system is described.

Abstract: An image processing apparatus obtains a region of interest in a first image obtained by capturing an object by a first modality, derives a corresponding region corresponding to the region of interest in a second image obtained by capturing the object by a second modality different from the first modality, sets a display parameter of the second image based on one of pixel information of the corresponding region and pixel information of a region associated with the corresponding region, generates a display image of the second image based on the display parameter, and performs display control of the display image.

Abstract: A method is for calibrating an X-ray measuring facility. The method includes preparing the facility for measurement for a resolution of a plurality of different energy intervals; positioning a test object in a beam path of an X-ray beam; irradiating the test object via the X-ray beam, and during the irradiating, an intensity measurement of the test object appropriately resolved according to the energy intervals is carried out by the facility; determining an absorption function of the test object using the intensity measurement; preparing one of the energy intervals as a reference interval such that the absorption function has a negligible energy dependency over the reference interval; determining a correction function of the absorption function, for at least one further energy interval of the energy intervals, using at least one value of the absorption function in the reference interval; and calibrating the facility using the correction function determined.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging system and method are provided. The system may include: an X-ray source configured to irradiate X-ray beams; a first grating and a second grating arranged sequentially in an irradiation direction of the X-ray beams; a detector arranged at downstream of the second grating in the irradiation direction; and a controller and data processing device configured to control the X-ray source to irradiate the X-ray beams, to control the detector to receive X-ray beams passing through the first grating and the second grating to generate phase contrast information and/or dark field information, and to perform CT check on an object under check based on the phase contrast information and/or the dark field information to obtain a CT image. In this way, it is possible to obtain more characteristic information about the object under check, so as to achieve more precise material recognition and security check.

Abstract: CBCT including monolithic photon counting FPD for medical applications requiring real-time 3D imaging, like mammography, interventional guided procedures or external beam radiotherapy, includes CMOS processed readout electronics monolithically integrated with a single crystalline X-ray absorber by covalent wafer bonding near room temperature and adapted for single photon counting providing high energy, temporal and spatial resolution.

Abstract: The present approach relates to avoiding azimuthal blur in a computed tomography context, such as in dual energy imaging with fast kV switching. In accordance with certain aspects, the focal spot position is held stationary in the patient coordinate system within each respective view and the detector signals within the view are summed. In one embodiment, this results in the low and high energy views within the signal being collected from the same position within the patient coordinate system.

Abstract: CBCT including monolithic photon counting FPD for medical applications requiring real-time 3D imaging, like mammography, interventional guided procedures or external beam radiotherapy, includes CMOS processed readout electronics monolithically integrated with a single crystalline X-ray absorber by covalent wafer bonding near room temperature and adapted for single photon counting providing high energy, temporal and spatial resolution.

Abstract: According to an X-ray CT apparatus and a scanning method of the present invention, in order to efficiently create an image used for diagnosis, an operator selects a desired part from a part selection GUI before main scanning by using an ROI object imitating a shape of each part, held in a storage device, and thus the ROI object can be disposed on a scanogram image, in which setting information corresponding to a part is set for the ROI object in advance, a region of interest associated with the part is set, main scanning is performed under conditions associated with the set region of interest, and an image is reconstructed on the basis of X-ray information obtained through the main scanning.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes processing circuitry. The circuitry controls a voltage generator during non-helical scan to switch tube voltage, thereby causing an imaging to be performed separately with X-rays of a first energy and X-rays of a second energy. The circuitry generates first and second projection data sets, respectively. The circuitry performs image reconstruction based on the first and second projection data sets respectively, thereby generating first and second images respectively. The circuitry performs alignment processing to align the second image with the first image. The circuitry generates a third projection data set based on a processing result of the alignment processing. The circuitry performs transformation processing to transform the second and third projection data sets into projection data sets corresponding to reference materials.

Abstract: Provided are an image acquisition device and an image acquisition method capable of acquiring the internal and external contours of a measured object with a high degree of accuracy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for providing ‘diagnosis-aiding information’, the method and system being capable of diagnosing cancer and the like of a patient by using medical imaging.

Abstract: A computed tomography (CT) system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening to receive an object to be scanned, a high-voltage generator, an x-ray tube positioned on the gantry to generate x-rays through the opening, a pixelated detector positioned on the gantry to receive the x-rays, and a computer. The computer is programmed to obtain a scout image of the object, calculate an equivalent diameter of a water cylinder based on the scout image over a length of the scout image, calculate a major axis and a minor axis for an equivalent ellipse over the length, calculate, based on a noise index and based on the equivalent diameter as the function of the length, an mA modulation as a function of the length, and obtain image data of the object by modulating an mA applied to the x-ray tube based on the calculated mA modulation.

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: A system includes acquisition of a spectral topogram of a target, determination, based on the spectral topogram, of an attenuation associated with each of a plurality of regions of the target and a composition of each of the plurality of regions, determination of imaging parameters associated with the plurality of regions based on the determined attenuation and composition, and acquisition of an image of the target based on the imaging parameters.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a decomposition method based on basis material combination. In the present disclosure, a scanned object is divided into a plurality of regions, the basis material combinations used in each of the divided regions are different each other, and the scanned object is re-divided according to the re-determined equivalent atomic number of its each point until the change on decomposition coefficient meets certain conditions. Thereby, a decomposition method based on dynamic basis material combinations is realized, which reduces a decomposition error caused by improper selection of the basis material combination and improves the accuracy of the decomposition and substance identification of the multi-energy CT.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging method is for generating contrast-enhanced image data relating to an examination region of an object to be examined. In an embodiment of the method, first contrast-agent influenced measured X-ray projection data with a first X-ray energy spectrum and at least one set of second contrast-agent influenced measured X-ray projection data with a second X-ray energy spectrum are acquired from the examination region. Subsequently, image data assigned to a third X-ray energy spectrum with a third mean energy, based on the first and at least second measured X-ray projection data is reconstructed based on the first and at least second measured X-ray projection data that has been acquired. A mean energy of the first X-ray energy spectrum and a mean energy of the second X-ray energy spectrum are selected as a function of a dimension parameter value of the object that is to be examined.

Abstract: A correction method for a mask pattern is provided. The method includes providing a chip pattern region including a plurality of main features, and providing first auxiliary patterns around each main feature. The method also includes performing a first optical proximity correction to correct the main features into first correction features, and providing a plurality of detection regions. Each detection region is connected to an adjacent first correction feature via the first auxiliary pattern. In addition, the method includes performing an exposure process to obtain a light intensity distribution corresponding to each detection region after performing the exposure process. Moreover, the method includes correcting the first auxiliary patterns into second auxiliary patterns based on an auxiliary pattern correction model and the light intensity distribution of each detection region.

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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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 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.