Abstract: For the purpose of providing an X-ray tomographic imaging apparatus for displaying a dual-energy image to facilitate diagnosis by an operator, an X-ray tomographic imaging apparatus (10) comprises: an image comparison information calculating section (24) for calculating image comparison information between said first-energy projection dataset(LD) or first-energy tomographic image(LT) and said second-energy projection dataset(HD) or second-energy tomographic image(HT); a region-of-interest defining section (23) for defining a region of interest; a weighting factor determining section (25-2) for determining a weighting factor for use in weighted subtraction processing between said first-energy projection dataset or first-energy tomographic image and said second-energy projection dataset or second-energy tomographic image, such that said image comparison information in said region of interest can be substantially eliminated by conducting said weighted subtraction processing; and a dual-energy image reconstructin

Abstract: A method includes performing an x-ray focal spot deflection to generate two complete projections from two different channels of an x-ray detector, wherein the channels are purposefully different from each other in some respect other than being different channels.

Abstract: An X-ray CT apparatus includes an X-ray radiation unit which applies a first X-ray having a first energy spectrum and a second X-ray having a second energy spectrum different from the first energy spectrum to a subject, an X-ray data acquisition unit which acquires first X-ray projection data of the subject based on the first X-ray and second X-ray projection data of the subject based on the second X-ray, and an image reconstruction unit which determines information about a difference between the first X-ray and the second X-ray with respect to an image of the subject, segments the image into at least two pixel areas based on the difference information, and sets part of the segmented pixel areas to a dual energy image obtained by a weighted subtraction process based on X-ray projection data having a plurality of energy spectrums.

Abstract: A CT system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening for receiving an object to be scanned, at least one x-ray source coupled to the gantry and configured to project x-rays toward the object, a detector coupled to the gantry and having a scintillator therein and configured to receive x-rays that pass through the object, and a generator configured to energize the at least one x-ray source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of computed tomography includes accessing multiple-energy computed tomography data and decomposing the multiple-energy computed tomography data to generate a monochromatic image including an anatomical region. The method and apparatus also includes segmenting the anatomical region from the monochromatic image to create a segmented region and generating a composite image including the segmented region.

Abstract: To prevent patients from being overexposed or underexposed, it has been attempted to modulate either voltage or current in conventional single energy CT systems. The voltage modulation causes incompatibility in projection data among the views while the current modulation reduces only noise. To solve these and other problems, dual energy CT is combined with voltage modulation techniques to improve the dosage efficiency. Furthermore, dual energy CT has been combined with both voltage modulation and current modulation to optimize the dosage efficiency in order to minimize radiation to a patient without sacrificing the reconstructed image quality.

Abstract: A method for automatically inspecting a container for a target material using a computed tomography (CT) scanning system includes performing an initial radiographic scan of the container. Based at least partially on projection data generated during the initial radiographic scan, at least one location within the container is identified that requires CT inspection. A dual energy CT scan of the at least one identified location within the container is performed based on a single energy algorithm or a dual energy algorithm. The dual energy CT scan includes a low energy scan of the at least one identified location and a high energy scan of the at least one identified location. Based on dual energy scan information generated during the dual energy CT scan, a determination is made to confirm or clear an alarm corresponding to the at least one identified location within the container.

Abstract: A dual energy inspection system that generates X-rays with an electron beam scanned over targets. A switchable voltage source that can be change its voltage output may cause X-rays to be generated at different energies. This X-ray generation subsystem is controlled by a sequencer that provides beam steering and shaping control inputs that may be dependent on the voltage provided by the voltage source. In another aspect, the dual energy inspection system may use multiple types of detectors, each sensitive to X-rays of a different energy. A relatively small number of detectors sensitive to one energy level is provided. Nonetheless, dual energy measurements may be made on objects within an item under inspection by identifying points that, for each object of interest, provide a low interference path to one of those detectors. Measurements made with radiation emanating from those points are used for dual energy analysis of those objects.

Abstract: Methods for energy-sensitive computed tomography systems that use checkerboard filtering. A method of enhancing image analysis of projection data acquired using a detector configured with a checkerboard filter includes disposing in a system a detector to receive a transmitted beam of X-rays traversing through an object, where the system is configured so the detector receives both high- and one of total- and low-energy projection data; receiving the high- and one of total- and low-energy projection data at the detector; and then estimating an effective atomic number of the object and/or processing the projection data so as to mitigate reconstruction artifacts. The present invention has been described in terms of specific embodiment(s), and it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appended claims.

Abstract: A computed tomography system includes at least two x-ray sources (108), a at least one common detector (124), and a reconstruction system (136). The at least two x-ray sources (108) are aligned at different z-axis locations at about a same angular position and concurrently emit radiation that traverses an imaging region (116). The at least one detector (124) detects radiation emitted by the at least two x-ray source (108) and generates composite data indicative of the detected radiation. The reconstruction system (136) reconstructs the composite data to generate one or more images.

Abstract: It is described a method for reducing noise of X-ray attenuation data related to a first and second spectral X-ray data acquisition. The method comprises the steps of (a) acquiring data representing the X-ray attenuation behavior of a region of interest, (b) determining a first and a second attenuation-base line integral for the first and the second X-ray acquisition, respectively, and (c) calculating expected first and second signal to noise ratios for the first and the second attenuation-base line integral based on given signal to noise ratios for the first and second spectral X-ray data acquisition, respectively. The method further comprises the steps of (d) repeating the above mentioned steps of determining the attenuation-base line integrals and calculating the expected signal to noise ratios for a further first spectral X-ray data acquisition and (e) selecting improved spectral X-ray data acquisitions in order to enhance the overall signal to noise ratio of a final X-ray image.

Abstract: A CT reconstruction of an object including a high-resolution object region of interest may be produced in an artefact-free manner by producing a first projection data set of a first region of the object that encloses the object region of interest and includes at least one projection recording of a first resolution, and a second projection data set of the object region of interest including at least a second projection recording of a second, higher resolution. The first and second projection data sets may be combined, in accordance with a combination rule, so as to obtain a CT reconstruction of the first region of the object having the first resolution and of the object region of interest having the second, higher resolution.

Abstract: A data processing device, comprising a plurality of emitter antennas arranged on a movable data acquisition device and adapted to emit electromagnetic radiation including data acquired by the movable data acquisition device, a plurality of receiver antennas each adapted to receive the electromagnetic radiation emitted by each of the plurality of emitter antennas, and a data processing unit coupled to the plurality of receiver antennas and adapted to extract the data acquired by the movable data acquisition device from the electromagnetic radiation received by the plurality of receiver antennas.

Abstract: A system and method for creating a combined or mixed-energy image using both low- and high-energy CT data sets acquired using a dual-energy CT system. The low- and high-energy datasets are mixed using desired weighting factors to mimic a “single-energy” image. The low-energy dataset provides data with improved contrast enhancement, but with increased noise level. The high-energy dataset provides data with lower contrast enhancement, but with better noise properties. By combining the low- and high-energy datasets in accordance with the present method, the resulting mixed-energy images utilize the information of full dose of radiation used in the dual-energy scan. A plurality of weighting metrics can be selected, including patient size, dose partitioning, or image quality, to determine the desired weighting factors based on the weighting metrics. By selecting the proper weight factors, image noise can be reduced and/or the contrast to noise ratio can be increased in the mixed-energy image.

Abstract: A method for calibrating and reconstructing material density images in a dual-spectral computed tomography (CT) system 100 is disclosed. An X-ray source in the CT system 100 emits a first X-ray spectrum and a second X-ray spectrum towards an object. The method includes computing calibration coefficients by using projection data from the object for the two X-ray spectra and by linearizing at least two basis materials such as bone and water simultaneously. Further, basis materials decomposition coefficients for the at least two basis materials are computed by linearizing the basis materials individually. Correction values for the projection data and for the basis materials are then computed by using the basis materials decomposition coefficients and the calibration coefficients. The computed correction values are used in reconstructing material density images for the basis materials.

Abstract: Provided is an X-ray CT apparatus which can perform CT scan of multi-energy scanning at a high speed and can obtain an image having an excellent substance distinguishing ability. The X-ray CT apparatus includes: means to continuously perform a first CT scanning using a first X-ray energy and a second CT scanning using a second X-ray energy without interrupting CT scan; means to transit the X-ray energy emitted from the X-ray during a transition period TR including an end of the first CT scanning and a beginning of the second CT scanning from the first X-ray energy to the second X-ray energy; and means to compensate the scan data in the transition period by the opposing data in the residual scan period so as to reconstruct an image.

Abstract: A computed tomography acquisition geometry provides an increased field of view (218). A radiation source (202, 702) such as an x-ray source and a radiation detector (204, 704) are displaced from the imaging center (214). In one implementation, the central ray (216) of a radiation beam (212) is parallel to the plane of the detector (204, 704) at the detector midpoint (219, 719), but is displaced from the imaging center.

Abstract: The dual energy X-ray CT apparatus automatically optimizes a map for separation to achieve a high degree of separation accuracy and a reduction of dose. An X-ray attenuation coefficient acquired in the dual energy X-ray CT system is applied to a map for separation which represents a relationship between the X-ray attenuation coefficient and a composition of an object, thereby separating the composition of the object. The map formation unit for separation calculates an existing probability of each composition for each combination of multiple types of X-ray attenuation coefficients, and determines the composition having the largest existing probability as the composition corresponding to the combination of the X-ray attenuation coefficients, thereby forming the map for separation. This configuration allows a formation of the map for separation with respect to each imaging condition, and high degree of accuracy in separating composition can be achieved.

Abstract: A method of generating a computed tomography image is disclosed herein. The method includes acquiring a first plurality of projections at a first energy level and acquiring a second plurality of projections at a second energy level. The method includes reconstructing an image from the first plurality of projections and generating a synthesized projection from the image that corresponds to one of the second plurality of projections. The method includes comparing the synthesized projection to the one of the second plurality of projections and modifying the image to form an updated image based on the comparing the synthesized projection to the one of the second plurality of projections. A computed tomography imaging system is also disclosed.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an energy resolving detector (20) which generates data indicative of detected radiation having at least first and second energies. The system also includes an energy pre-processor (24), a motion calculator (26), and a reconstructor (22). In one embodiment, the apparatus uses a k-edge imaging technique to perform a motion compensated reconstruction of projection data indicative of an object under examination.

Abstract: An x-ray source (32) for performing energy discrimination within an imaging system (10) includes a cathode-emitting device (82) for emitting electrons and an anode (81) that has a target (80) whereupon the electrons impinge to generate an x-ray beam (93) with multiple x-ray quantity energy peaks (116 and 120). A method of performing energy discrimination in the imaging system (10) includes emitting the electrons. The x-ray beam (93) with the x-ray quantity energy peaks (116 and 120) is generated. The x-ray beam (93) is directed through an object (44) and is thereafter received. An x-ray image having multiple energy differentiable characteristics is generated in response to the x-ray beam (93) as received.

Abstract: It is described a method and a CT system for measuring dual-energy X- ray attenuation data of an object. The CT system comprises a rotatable holder, an X-ray source comprising two different X-ray focus points, and an X-ray detection device comprising a plurality of detector elements exhibiting different spectral sensitivities. The method comprises the steps of (a) adjusting the X-ray source such that it emits X-rays originating a first focus point, (b) acquiring first attenuation data separately with first detector elements and with second detector elements, (c) moving the X-ray focus discretely to a second focus point, and (d) acquiring second attenuation data separately with both types of detector elements.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a computed tomography (CT) scanner (10), a reconstructor (46), a polychromatic corrector (50), a material classifier (54) and an image processor (60). The scanner provides spectral CT information. The reconstructor (46) reconstructs the data from the CT scanner (10) into a volume space. The material classifier (54) determines a material composition of locations in the volume space as a function of their location in an attenuation space. Information indicative of the material composition is presented on a display (62).

Abstract: Fast kV-switching is a dual energy acquisition technique in computed tomography (CT) in which alternating views correspond to the low and high tube voltages. Its high temporal resolution and its suitability to a variety of source trajectories make it an attractive option for dual energy data acquisition. Its disadvantages include a one-view misregistration between the data for high and low voltages, the potentially poor spectrum separation due to the more-like a sine wave rather than the desired square wave in fast kV-switching, and the higher noise in the low voltage data because of the technical difficulty in swinging the tube current to counter the loss of x-ray production efficiency and loss of penetration at lower tube voltages.

Abstract: The present invention provides an X-ray CT apparatus capable of improving image quality of a dual energy image. The X-ray CT apparatus comprises an X-ray tube for applying X rays having a first energy spectrum and X rays having a second energy spectrum different from the first energy spectrum to a subject, an X-ray data acquisition unit for acquiring X-ray projection data of the first energy spectrum projected onto the subject and X-ray projection data of the second energy spectrum projected thereonto, dual energy image reconstructing unit for image-reconstructing tomographic images indicative of X-ray tube voltage-dependent information at X-ray absorption coefficients related to a distribution of atoms, based on the X-ray projection data of the first energy spectrum and the X-ray projection data of the second energy spectrum, and adjusting unit for adjusting conditions for the image reconstruction in order to optimize the tomographic images indicative of the X-ray tube voltage-dependent information.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging system in an example comprises a high frequency electromagnetic energy source, a detector, a data acquisition system (DAS), and a computer. The high frequency electromagnetic energy source emits a beam of high frequency electromagnetic energy toward an object to be imaged and be resolved by the system. The detector receives high frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by the high frequency electromagnetic energy source. The DAS is operably connected to the detector. The computer is operably connected to the DAS and programmed to employ an inversion table or function to convert N+2 measured projections at different incident spectra into material specific integrals for N+2 materials that comprise two non K-edge basis materials and N K-edge contrast agents. N comprises an integer greater than or equal to 1.

Abstract: It is described a method and a CT system for measuring dual-energy X- ray attenuation data of an object. The CT system comprises a rotatable holder, an X-ray source comprising two different X-ray focus points, and an X-ray detection device comprising a plurality of detector elements exhibiting different spectral sensitivities. The method comprises the steps of (a) adjusting the X-ray source such that it emits X-rays originating a first focus point, (b) acquiring first attenuation data separately with first detector elements and with second detector elements, (c) moving the X-ray focus discretely to a second focus point, and (d) acquiring second attenuation data separately with both types of detector elements.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards apparatuses and methods for securing a location. Particularly, the present invention is directed towards methods, apparatuses, and integrated systems for the screening of individual passengers and their corresponding carry-on baggage carts with improved throughput, efficiency, and quality. In addition, the current invention is directed towards a carry-on baggage cart specifically designed for the disclosed integrated carry-on baggage cart and passenger screening system of the present invention.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for selecting two contrast agents to be used in a dual energy CT examination of a patient. In at least one embodiment, the method includes determining the gradient of a connecting line between a first material or a first tissue type and a second material or second tissue type in an HU value diagram of the energy-specific HU values, selecting a first contrast agent with an enhancement gradient which is significantly greater than the determined base gradient, and selecting a second contrast agent, the enhancement of which lies in the significance region of the determined base gradient. A contrast agent combination selected in the fashion is also disclosed in at least one embodiment, as well as the generation of CT images using a contrast agent combination selected in the fashion and using different energy spectra.

Abstract: A method for obtaining multi-material decomposition images is disclosed, the method comprising the steps of: acquiring an image pair from a dual energy computed tomography scan of an imaged object; selecting a material basis for multi-material decomposition of the image pair; applying a physicochemical model for the material basis; and performing multi-material decomposition using at least one constraint imposed by the physicochemical model.

Abstract: The present technology relates to the generation of a CT image under an arbitrary energy spectrum based on the results of a dual energy scan. In certain embodiments, a dual energy scan is conducted of an object and material basis decomposition is used to decompose the scanned object into two basis materials with known attenuation properties resulting in material density images. Along with knowledge of other imaging system information, forward projection is done under an arbitrary kV spectrum to generate an image as if the scanned object was scanned under this different kV spectrum. This prevents users from conducting unnecessary additional scans.

Abstract: A system and method of a diagnostic imaging system includes a high frequency electromagnetic energy source that emits a beam of high frequency electromagnetic energy toward an object to be imaged, a detector that receives high frequency electromagnetic energy emitted by the high frequency electromagnetic energy source and attenuated by the object, a data acquisition system (DAS) operably connected to the detector, and a computer operably connected to the DAS. The computer is programmed to obtain CT scan data with two or more incident energy spectra, decompose the obtained CT scan data into projection CT data of two or more basis materials, reconstruct linearly weighted projections of the two or more basis materials, determine an optimized energy for the two or more basis materials within a region-of-interest (ROI), and form a monochromatic image of the projection CT data at the optimized energy using the two or more basis material projections.

Abstract: A technique for establishing texture metrics and bone mineral density (BMD) within an anatomical region of interest. A digital imaging system is used to acquire a standard digital X-ray image with a wide field of view. The standard digital X-ray image is used to guide the imaging system to obtain an image of a region of interest. The standard digital X-ray image is used to calculate various texture metrics, such as a length of a fracture. A dual-energy digital X-ray image of the region of interest is acquired. The dual-energy digital X-ray image is corrected for scatter. The BMD of the region of interest may be established from the scatter-corrected dual-energy digital X-ray image. The BMD, the texture metrics, and/or the scatter-corrected dual-energy X-ray image may be displayed on the standard digital X-ray image.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for reconstructing a three-dimensional image of an object's volume of interest using computed tomography that employs conical-beam, intensity-modulated projections of this object. In one embodiment, a plurality of collimating devices serves to modulate the aperture of the radiation source thereby acting to modulate the intensity of the source upon the object. Also provided are image processing devices, examination apparatus, as well as a computer-readable medium and a program element adapted and configured to perform aspects of the methods disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for reducing noise in a computed tomographic (CT) image includes acquiring both a first set of projection views and a second set of projection views, wherein for each projection view in the first set of projection views there is an associated projection view in the second set of projection views representing the same object scanned at substantially the same time from substantially the same position. The method further includes reconstructing the first set of projection views and the associated second set of projection views to obtain a first image and a second image, respectively. Next, the first image and the second image are combined to obtain a noise map and an amount of noise in a product image is estimated utilizing the noise map. The method also includes filtering using the noise map to perform noise reduction.

Abstract: A system and method of density and effective atomic number imaging include a computer programmed to acquire projection data from the detector of an unknown material at the time of projection data acquisition. The computer is also programmed to generate a density image for the unknown material based on a calibration of two or more known basis materials and to generate an effective atomic number (Z) for the unknown material based on the calibration of two or more known basis materials and based on a function arctan of a ratio of atomic numbers of the two or more known basis materials. The density and effective atomic number images are stored to a computer readable storage medium.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems, methods, and computer program products that generate estimates of errors caused by extraneous radiation in tomographic systems, such as cone-beam computerized tomography (CBCT) systems, fluoroscopic tomography systems, radiographic tomography systems, laminar tomography imaging systems, and the like. In one group of inventions, spatial errors are estimated from projection data collected where a known spatial perturbation has been introduced into radiation intensity of the source. In another group of inventions, temporal errors are estimated from a sequence of projections where a known perturbation in the radiation intensity of the source for different projections has been introduced.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus of multi-energy data acquisition. An imaging system is also provided and includes a number of HF electromagnetic energy filters. The filters include at least a first and a second filter wherein the first filter is positioned in a path of HF electromagnetic energy when an HF electromagnetic energy source is energized to a first voltage and the second filter is positioned in the path of HF electromagnetic energy when the HF electromagnetic energy source is energized to a second voltage.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus of multi-energy data acquisition. An imaging system is also provided and includes a number of HF electromagnetic energy filters. The filters include at least a first and a second filter wherein the first filter is positioned in a path of HF electromagnetic energy when an HF electromagnetic energy source is energized to a first voltage and the second filter is positioned in the path of HF electromagnetic energy when the HF electromagnetic energy source is energized to a second voltage.

Abstract: In X-ray CT imaging for scanning a subject in the same anatomical region with two kinds of X-rays having different energy distributions, for the purpose of reducing a subject's positional offset between two kinds of tomographic images representing the same slice by a simple control scheme while reducing stress on the subject, a cardiac cycle identifying section 30b identifies a cardiac cycle of a subject 6 by an electrocardiograph 5 or the like, and a scan start time interval setting section 30c sets a time interval from the start of a first scan with first X-rays to the start of a second scan with second X-rays to a time approximately the same as the aforementioned cardiac cycle. A scan control section 30a controls several sections to keep a constant rotation speed of a rotating section 27 and start the scans at the aforementioned time interval. In each scan, projection data over a given view angle sufficient for reconstruction processing for a tomographic image are collected at once.

Abstract: A system includes emission of a first plurality of radiation beams from respective ones of a first plurality of locations along a first arc, acquisition of a first plurality of projection images of a target based on the first plurality of radiation beams, emission of a second plurality of radiation beams from respective ones of a second plurality of locations along a second arc, acquisition of a second plurality of projection images of the target based on the second plurality of radiation beams, and generation of a three-dimensional image of the target based on the first plurality of projection images and the second plurality of projection images, wherein a density of the first plurality of locations along the first arc is less than the density of the second plurality of locations along the second arc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a CT imaging system for determining the flow of a substance within an object, wherein the CT imaging system comprises a polychromatic X-ray source and an energy-resolving X-ray detector for obtaining detection signals depending on the X-ray radiation after passing through the object. A calculation unit (12) determines a k-edge 5 component of the substance from the detection signals, and a reconstruction unit (13) reconstructs a time series of k-edge image from the determined k-edge component. A flow determination unit (14) determines flow values indicative for the flow within the object from the time series of k-edge images.

Abstract: To increase the contrast in the imaging in an object under examination that contains at least one radiopaque element, an arrangement that has the following features is used: a) at least one essentially polychromatic x-ray radiation source that emits x-ray radiation, b) at least one energy-dispersive detector, with which the intensity of the x-ray radiation that gets through the object under examination is detectable, c) at least one correlation unit, with which the intensity of the detected x-ray radiation from a pixel of the object under examination with a first energy E1 can be correlated with the intensity of the detected x-ray radiation from the same pixel with a second energy E2, d) at least one output unit for visualizing the object under examination from the pixel signals that are obtained by correlation of the intensities.

Abstract: Spectral CT systems require cheap detectors with high energy resolution. According to an aspect of the present invention, a computer tomography apparatus comprises a detector element which is segmented into a plurality of sub-pixels. Each sub-pixel has at least two thresholds and counting channels, wherein the second threshold for each sub-pixel varies over the nominal detector element. This may provide for an improved energy-resolved photon counting.

Abstract: Methods and systems for controlling an X-ray imaging system. The method for controlling an X-ray imaging system includes acquiring a plurality of subviews of patient attenuation data wherein a first set of subviews of patient attenuation data is acquired at a first radiation flux level and a second set of subviews of patient attenuation data is acquired at a second radiation flux level. The first radiation flux level is different than the second radiation flux level. The method further includes combining the first set of subviews of patient attenuation data and the second set of subviews of patient attenuation data to form corrected views for subsequent image generation.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a radiation procedure includes a radiation filter having a first portion and a second portion, the first and the second portions forming a layer for filtering radiation impinging thereon, wherein the first portion is made from a first material having a first x-ray filtering characteristic, and the second portion is made from a second material having a second x-ray filtering characteristic. An apparatus for use in a radiation procedure includes a first target material, a second target material, and an accelerator for accelerating particles towards the first target material and the second target material to generate x-rays at a first energy level and a second energy level, respectively.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing projective and tomographic phase contrast images of an examination object, preferably a patient, with the aid of an X-ray system, and a corresponding X-ray system for carrying out this method. In at least one embodiment of the method, X-ray optical grating sets tuned to different energy ranges are used to determine energy-dependent phase shifts upon penetration of an examination object, a difference value is formed from these energy-dependent phase shifts, and tomographic or projective images are produced therefrom.

Abstract: X rays are emitted without injecting an angiographic contrast material, and a non-injection image acquiring device 7 acquires a non-injection image in the angiographic contrast material non-injection state. X rays are emitted after injecting the angiographic contrast material, and an injection image acquiring device 8 acquires an injection image in the angiographic contrast material injection state. A blood vessel locus image acquiring device 9 superimposes the non-injection image and injection image acquired, and processes image data of a DSA image obtained in each of the non-injection state and injection state of the angiographic contrast material to acquire a blood vessel locus image. An image processing device 10 carries out a black-and-white reversal of the blood vessel locus image acquired, and the blood vessel is displayed in white. Beam hardening filters are inserted, and X-ray fluoroscopic radiography is carried out while inserting a guide wire W into the blood vessel.

Abstract: A technique is provided for imaging a field of view using an X-ray source comprising two or more emission points. Each emission point is configured to emit a fan of radiation encompassing less than the entire field of view. The emission points are activated individually and rotate about the field of view, allowing respective streams of radiation to be emitted at various view angles about the field of view. The emission points, which may correspond to different radial regions of the field of view, may be differentially activated to emphasize a region of interest within the field of view. The multiple emission points may be extrapolated along the longitudinal axis in duplicate or offset configurations.

Abstract: An X-ray optical transmission grating of a focus-detector arrangement of an X-ray apparatus is disclosed, for generating projective or tomographic phase contrast recordings of a subject. In at least one embodiment, the grating includes a multiplicity of grating bars and grating gaps arranged periodically on at least one surface of at least one wafer, wherein the X-ray optical transmission grating includes at least two sub-gratings arranged in direct succession in the beam direction.