Abstract: An imaging system includes an x-ray source that emits a beam of x-rays toward an object, a detector that receives high frequency electromagnetic energy 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 compute detector coefficients based on a static low kVp measurement and a static high kVp measurement, capture incident spectra at high and low kVp during fast kVp switching, compute effective X-ray incident spectra at high and low kVp during fast kVp switching using the captured incident spectra, scan a water phantom and normalize the computed detector coefficients to water, adjust the computed effective X-ray incident spectra based on the normalized detector coefficients, compute basis material decomposition functions using the adjusted X-ray incident spectra, and generate one or more basis material density images using the computed basis material decomposition functions.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an x-ray source configured to emit a beam of x-rays toward an object to be imaged, a detector configured to receive x-rays that are attenuated by the object, a data acquisition system (DAS) operably coupled to the detector, and a computer operably coupled to the DAS and programmed to obtain scan data with two or more incident energy spectra, decompose the obtained scan data into at least three basis materials, generate an image of one of the at least three basis materials using the decomposed scan data, and replace at least one pixel in the image using decomposed data of another of the at least three basis materials.

Abstract: A system for generating image data includes a voltage supply configured for applying a first voltage to generate radiation at a first energy level, and for applying a second voltage to generate radiation at a second energy level, an imager for generating a first set of image data based at least in part on the radiation at the first energy level, and for generating a second set of image data based at least in part on the radiation at the second energy level, and a processor for creating composite image data using the first and the second sets of image data.

Abstract: An imaging system includes an x-ray source that emits a beam of x-rays toward an object to be imaged, a detector that receives the x-rays attenuated by the object, a spectral notch filter positioned between the x-ray source and the object, a data acquisition system (DAS) operably connected to the detector, and a computer operably connected to the DAS and programmed to acquire a first image dataset at a first kVp, acquire a second image dataset at a second kVp that is greater than the first kVp, and generate an image of the object using the first image dataset and the second image dataset.

Abstract: A method for the online determination of the ash content of a substance conveyed on a conveying device, includes a first measurement for determining the mass per unit area of the substance and a second measurement for determining the mean atomic number of the atoms present in the substance. An additional X-ray fluorescence measurement is carried out.

Abstract: A radiation image processing apparatus includes a radiation source for irradiating the subject with the radiation, the subject being applied with a fixation material, a radiation source controller for controlling the radiation source in accordance with different image capturing conditions, a radiation converting panel for converting the radiation into one of the pieces of radiation image information, a processing condition memory for storing a plurality of processing conditions, each including the image capturing conditions that correspond to a type of the fixation material, a processing condition selector for selecting one of the processing conditions, the selected one of the processing conditions corresponding to the type of the fixation material, and an image processor for processing in accordance with the selected processing condition the plurality of pieces of radiation image information that are provided by the radiation converting panel under the different image capturing conditions, respectively.

Abstract: An apparatus includes an x-ray source (112) that generates transmission radiation that traverses an examination region (108) and a detector (116) that includes a photo-converter (204) that detects the radiation and generates a signal indicative thereof. The photo-converter (204) includes a light receiving region (260) on a back side (264).5The light receiving region receives light indicative of the detected radiation. The photo-converter (204) further includes read-out electronics (240) within a front side (228), which is located opposite the back side (264). The read-out electronics (240) process a photo-current indicative of the received light to generate the signal indicative of the detected radiation. The photo-converter (204) further includes a photodiode (208, 212, 232) 10disposed between the light receiving region (260) and the read-out electronics (240). The photodiode (212) produces the photo-current.

Abstract: An X-ray image acquiring system capable of improving the detection accuracy of a foreign substance contained in a subject is provided. An X-ray image acquiring system 1 irradiates X-rays to a subject S having a predetermined thickness W from an X-ray source, and detects X-rays transmitted through the subject S in a plurality of energy ranges. The X-ray image acquiring system 1 includes a low-energy detector 32 for detecting, in a low-energy range, X-rays having been transmitted through a region R1 extending in a thickness direction within the subject S, a high-energy detector 42 for detecting, in a high-energy range, X-rays having been transmitted through a region R2 extending in a thickness direction within the subject S, and a timing control section 50 for controlling detection timing of X-rays in the low-energy detector 32 and the high-energy detector 42 so that an inspecting region E located at a predetermined site within the subject S is included in the region R1 and the region R2.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of examining an object is disclosed comprising scanning an object at first and second radiation energies, detecting radiation at the first and second energies, and calculating a function of the radiation detected at the first and second energies. The function may be calculated for corresponding portions of the object. It is determined whether the object at least potentially comprises high atomic number material having an atomic number greater than a predetermined atomic number based, at least in part, on the function. The function may be a ratio. The function may be compared to a second function, which may be a threshold having a value based, at least in part, on material of the predetermined atomic number. The second function may be the same as the first function.

Abstract: By exposing the ROI at full exposure and full frame rate while exposing the area outside the ROI with low exposure and up to full frame rate an overall reduction in X-Ray radiation is achieved. The resultant image has slightly lower resolution outside the ROI but better resolution (as compared to standard fluoroscopy practices) in the ROI because of reduced scattering. Different exposures are supplied to different parts of the image by using a fast shutter in conjunction with the exposure control.

Abstract: An electromagnetic wave having a phase velocity and an amplitude is provided by an electromagnetic wave source to a traveling wave linear accelerator. The traveling wave linear accelerator generates a first output of electrons having a first energy by accelerating an electron beam using the electromagnetic wave. The first output of electrons can be contacted with a target to provide a first beam of x-rays. The electromagnetic wave can be modified by adjusting its amplitude and the phase velocity. The traveling wave linear accelerator then generates a second output of electrons having a second energy by accelerating an electron beam using the modified electromagnetic wave. The second output of electrons can be contacted with a target to provide a second beam of x-rays. A frequency controller can monitor the phase shift of the electromagnetic wave from the input to the output ends of the accelerator and can correct the phase shift of the electromagnetic wave based on the measured phase shift.

Abstract: A radiation image acquiring system that improves the detection accuracy of a foreign substance etc., in a subject is provided. An X-ray image acquiring system 1 irradiates X-rays to a subject S from an X-ray source, and detects X-rays in a plurality of energy ranges transmitted through the subject S.

Abstract: A computed tomography scanner is disclosed for performing a spiral scan. In at least one embodiment, the computed tomography scanner includes a rotatable X-ray emitter for generating a beam fan and an X-ray detector, positioned diametrically opposite to the emitter, and an associated evaluation unit. In at least one embodiment, provision is made for an X-ray filter arranged downstream of the X-ray emitter, the position of the X-ray filter being correlated to that of the X-ray detector. Further, the X-ray filter is partly inserted into the beam fan only during operation for generating an unfiltered and, simultaneously, a filtered radiation component of the beam fan, wherein the radiation components have different X-ray spectra and wherein the evaluation unit is designed for separate evaluation of a measurement signal of the unfiltered radiation component and a measurement signal of the filtered radiation component, to obtain dual-energy images.

Abstract: A CT system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening for receiving an object to be scanned, and a controller configured to apply a first kVp for a first time period, apply a second kVp for a second time period, wherein the second time period is different from the first time period, acquire a first asymmetric view dataset during at least a portion of the first time period, acquire a second asymmetric view dataset during at least a portion of the second time period, and generate an image using the acquired first and second asymmetric view datasets.

Abstract: A CT system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening for receiving an object to be scanned, and a controller configured to obtain kVp projection data at a first kVp, obtain kVp projection data at a second kVp, extract data from the kVp projection data obtained at the second kVp, add the extracted data to the kVp projection data obtained at the first kVp to generate mitigated projection data at the first kVp, and generate an image using the mitigated projection data at the first kVp and using the projection data obtained at the second kVp.

Abstract: A method for determining a composition of an object using a spectral x-ray system is provided. X-ray photons of at least two different energies are transmitted through the object. The energy of each detected x-ray photon using a detector in the x-ray system is estimated. A first weighted sum of the number of detected photons of each energy is found using a first weighting function, wherein the first weighting function is dependent on the attenuation coefficient function of a first material. In another embodiment, the photons are binned into two energy bins wherein there is a gap between the energy bins.

Abstract: A patient table for a common imaging system including Magnetic Resonance and X-Ray retains the patient stationary in position prior to, during and subsequent to the imaging and includes a base, a patient support portion cantilevered from the base and a mattress. A safety system is provided for controlling the operation of the magnet and MR system and the X-Ray systems to allow effective safe operation and controls the movement of the magnet to the table and the movement of the X-Ray imaging systems to and from the table to locations where they do not interfere with the MR imaging.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for generating a composite image from dual-energy projection radiographic image data and renormalizing the composite image such that the pixel values for the composite image have the same relationship to the detected x-ray energy as the original high- and low-energy images. The method disclosed further provides for renormalization of material specific decomposition images formed form dual energy projection radiographic image data such that the decomposition images are on a common scale with either the high-energy, low-energy or composite image.

Abstract: At least three radiation-detection views are used to facilitate identifying material as comprises an object being assessed along a beam path relative to that object. This comprises developing a first radiation-detection view (101) as corresponds to the material along the beam path, a second radiation-detection view (102) as corresponds to the material along substantially the beam path, and at least a third radiation-detection view (103) as corresponds to the material along substantially the beam path. At least one of the source spectra and detector spectral responses used for these radiation-detection views are different from one another for each view. One then uses (104) these radiation-detection views to identify the material by, at least in part, differentiating the material from other possible materials.

Abstract: An image processing method includes identifying a body region in a tomographic image based on pixel values within the tomographic image, extracting a bone muscle region corresponding to essential parts of bones and muscles based on bone muscle pixels having pixel values corresponding to the bones or muscles in the body region, searching boundary points of the bone muscle region from outside a region surrounding the extracted bone muscle region to inside the region, creating a bone-muscle region outer peripheral profile line by joining only boundary points at which each index related to at least one of a length and a slope of a line segment connecting between the adjoining boundary points of the searched boundary points satisfies a predetermined condition, and extracting a visceral fat region comprised of fat pixels having pixel values corresponding to fat in a region lying inside the bone-muscle region outer peripheral profile line.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the generation of dual-energy X-ray data using a data sampling rate comparable to the rate utilized for single-energy imaging. In accordance with the present technique a reduced kVp switching rate is employed compared to conventional dual-energy imaging. Full angular resolution is achieved in the generated images.

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: A dual energy x-ray imaging system searches a moving automobile for concealed objects. Dual energy operation is achieved by operating an x-ray source at a constant potential of 100KV to 150KV, and alternately switching between two beam filters. The first filter is an atomic element having a high k-edge energy, such as platinum, gold, mercury, thallium, lead, bismuth, and thorium, thereby providing a low-energy spectrum. The second filter provides a high-energy spectrum through beam hardening. The low and high energy beams passing through the automobile are received by an x-ray detector. These detected signals are processed by a digital computer to create a steel suppressed image through logarithmic subtraction. The intensity of the x-ray beam is adjusted as the reciprocal of the measured automobile speed, thereby achieving a consistent radiation level regardless of the automobile motion.

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: An image processing apparatus includes a first spectrum estimating unit for reading the image information from a storage unit and estimating a spectrum of an object based on the read image information; a dye amount estimating unit for estimating dye amounts included in the object using the estimated spectrum; a second spectrum estimating unit for synthesizing a first spectrum using the estimated dye amounts; a spectrum subtractor for calculating a difference spectrum by subtracting the first spectrum from the spectrum; a dye amount correcting unit for correcting at least a part of the estimated dye amounts; a third spectrum estimating unit for synthesizing a second spectrum using the corrected dye amount; a spectrum adder for synthesizing a third spectrum by adding the second spectrum and the difference spectrum; and an image synthesizer for synthesizing a display image from the third spectrum.

Abstract: Photon counting detectors may suffer from pulse sharing effects and fluorescence photon generation, which may lead to a degradation of the measured signals. According to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, a detector unit is provided which is adapted for performing a coincidence detection and correction by comparing detection events of neighbouring cells, thereby providing for a coincidence identification followed by an individual coincidence correction. In order to reduce the number of coincidence detection and corresponding units per detector unit, a specific detector cell geometry may be applied.

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: Disclosed are a method and a device for real-time mark for a high-energy X-ray dual-energy imaging container inspection system in the radiation imaging field.

Abstract: Acquisition techniques for dual energy (DE) chest imaging system. Technique factors include the added x-ray filtration, kVp pair, and the allocation of dose between low- and high-energy projections, with total dose equal to or less than that of a conventional chest radiograph. Factors are described which maximize lung nodule detectability as characterized by the signal difference to noise ratio (SDNR) in DE chest images. kVp pair and dose allocation are described using a chest phantom presenting simulated lung nodules and ribs for thin, average, and thick body habitus. Low- and high-energy techniques ranged from 60-90 kVp and 120-150 kVp, respectively, with peak soft-tissue SDNR achieved at [60/120] kVp for patient thicknesses and levels of imaging dose. A strong dependence on the kVp of the low-energy projection was observed.

Abstract: A technique is presented for establishing a patient's BMD using a dual-energy X-ray imaging system. In the technique, the dual-energy X-ray imaging system utilizes a slit collimator to expose a series of portions of a region of interest within a patient with X-rays of two different energies. A flat-panel digital X-ray detector detects the X-rays passing through the patient's region of interest and produces data representative of the intensity of the X-rays reaching the detector. The image intensity data is corrected for scatter based on identifying the regions of the image intensity data that are produced from scatter only, and not primary X-rays. A first-order derivative of the image intensity data is used to identify these regions. A value for the intensity of the scatter at the boundary of the scatter-only region is established.

Abstract: There are provided an apparatus capable of complying with arbitrary data acquisition period (frame rate) change instruction without increasing load and cost, and a method and a system for controlling such an apparatus. To realize this, in the present invention, there are included an area sensor for reading out an electric signal accumulated in a plurality of pixels arranged in a matrix, line by line, and a control unit for controlling the area sensor. The area sensor operates in a first operation for deriving radiation image data by reading during irradiation with radiation, and a second operation for deriving the radiation image data by reading during non-irradiation with radiation, alternately. The control unit switches a period for deriving the radiation image data during a time period from an end of the reading in the first operation until an end of the reading in the second operation.

Abstract: The disclosed CT scanner comprises at least one source of X-rays; a detector array comprising a plurality of detectors; and an X-ray filter mask arrangement disposed between the source of X-rays and detector array so as to modify the spectra of the X-rays transmitted from the source through the mask to at least some of the detectors so that the X-ray spectra detected by at least one set of detectors is different from the X-ray spectra detected by at least one other set of detectors.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the generation of dual-energy X-ray data using a data sampling rate comparable to the rate utilized for single-energy imaging. In accordance with the present technique a reduced kVp switching rate is employed compared to conventional dual-energy imaging. Full angular resolution is achieved in the generated images.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the bone mineral density of a body extremity. An image of a body extremity is acquired using a mammography x-ray system whereby a bone mineral density can be performed on the image. The system for determining the bone mineral density of a body extremity includes: a support for supporting the body extremity; a detector for capturing an image of the body extremity; and an x-ray source adapted to project an x-ray beam through the body extremity toward the detector, the x-ray source having a voltage of no more than about 45 kVp and having a target/filter combination of rhodium/rhodium, molybdenum/molybdenum, molybdenum/rhodium, or tungsten/rhodium.

Abstract: A dual energy x-ray imaging system searches a moving automobile for concealed objects. Dual energy operation is achieved by operating an x-ray source at a constant potential of 100 KV to 150 KV, and alternately switching between two beam filters. The first filter is an atomic element having a high k-edge energy, such as platinum, gold, mercury, thallium, lead, bismuth, and thorium, thereby providing a low-energy spectrum. The second filter provides a high-energy spectrum through beam hardening. The low and high energy beams passing through the automobile are received by an x-ray detector. These detected signals are processed by a digital computer to create a steel suppressed image through logarithmic subtraction. The intensity of the x-ray beam is adjusted as the reciprocal of the measured automobile speed, thereby achieving a consistent radiation level regardless of the automobile motion.

Abstract: A radiation conversion panel includes a first pixel group from which electric charges are read after a first energy-level image capturing cycle and after a second energy-level image capturing cycle, and a second pixel group from which electric charges are read after the second energy-level image capturing cycle, wherein pixels of the first pixel group and pixels of the second pixel group are arranged alternately.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an X-ray scanner that has an electron source and an anode. The anode has a target surface with a series of material areas spaced along it in a scanning direction. The material areas are formed from different materials. The electron source is arranged to direct electrons at a series of target areas of the target surface, in a predetermined order, so as to generate X-ray beams having different energy spectra.

Abstract: A method and a CT system are disclosed having a computation unit for distinguishing between four materials (M1, M2, M3, M4) in tomographic records of a dual-energy CT system, wherein the size of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional viewing area is defined around each voxel whose material content is to be distinguished. In an embodiment of the method, the adjacent voxels from the viewing area on an HU value diagram are imaged for each voxel (Vi) whose material content is to be distinguished, the distances from the diagonals are calculated for all the imaged voxels, and the mean squares of these distances are formed (x12, x22). If the mean square distance (x12, x22) to one diagonal is less than to the other diagonal, then the composition of the voxel is assumed to be composed of the materials to whose diagonal the lower mean square distance (x12, x22) occurs.

Abstract: A computed tomography system includes a plurality of radiation sensitive detector elements (100) which generate a time varying signal indicative of x-ray photons received by the various detector elements (100). Photon counters (24) count the photons received by the various detector elements (24). Event-driven energy determiners (26) measure the total energy of the received photons. A mean, energy calculator (46) calculates a mean energy of the photons received by the various detector elements (100) during a plurality of reading periods.

Abstract: An energy-sensitive computed tomography system is provided. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system includes an X-ray source configured to emit an X-ray beam resulting from electrons impinging upon a target material. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system also includes an object positioned within the X-ray beam. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system further includes a detector configured to receive a transmitted beam of the X-rays through the object. The energy-sensitive computed tomography system also includes a filter having an alternating pattern disposed between the X-ray source and the detector, the filter configured to facilitate measuring projection data that can be used to generate low-energy and high-energy spectral information.

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 imaging apparatus includes a multi-dimensional assembly supporting a plurality of x-ray sources that are individually addressable. The plurality of x-ray sources is further configurable to simultaneously emit x-ray spectra at different mean energies. Furthermore, the multi-dimensional assembly includes a plurality of x-ray detectors that are arranged to detect at least a part of the x-rays that are emitted from at least one of the x-ray sources.

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 CT system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening for receiving a subject to be scanned, a rotatable gantry having an opening for receiving a subject to be scanned, an x-ray source configured to project x-rays having multiple energies toward the subject, and a generator configured to energize the x-ray source to a first voltage and configured to energize the x-ray source to a second voltage, the first voltage distinct from the second voltage. The system further includes a controller configured to cause the generator to energize the x-ray source to the first voltage for a first duration, acquire imaging data for at least one view during at least the first duration, after the first duration, cause the generator to energize the x-ray source to the second voltage for a second duration, and acquire imaging data for two or more views during at least the second duration.

Abstract: One provides (101 and 102) two or more X-ray sources (202 and 204) that are independent and discrete from one another. By one approach, these X-ray sources emit corresponding X-rays (203 and 205) using different voltage levels. In particular, these voltage levels can be sufficiently different from one another to readily permit different elements as comprise an object (201) being examined to be distinguished from one another. These X-rays are then emitted (106) from these sources and towards an object to be examined while causing relative motion (207) between such sources on the one hand and the object on the other.

Abstract: A medical imaging system is provided. The medical imaging system includes an imaging device with a radiation source and a detector, a control unit; and a processing unit. The processing unit is operable to compare a stored reference image taken using a high radiation dose with a current image taken using a lower radiation dose. The control unit is operable to trigger the imaging device to take a further image using a high radiation dose based on the comparison.

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: A method and apparatus for multi-energy object inspection using a brilliant x-ray source. A first mono-energetic x-ray image of an object at a first selected energy is generated. A second mono-energetic x-ray image of the object at a second selected energy is generated. The first selected energy is different than the second selected energy. Additional mono-energetic x-ray images may be generated at energies different than previous energies up to n selected energies. The mono-energetic x-ray images are mathematically combined and processed to form a result. The result of processing the mono-energetic x-ray images is presented. The result comprises processed mono-energetic x-ray image data describing materials in the object with greater sensitivity, identifying the layers, and identifying the material composition than in the first image or the second image.

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: A method and system for determining the bone mineral density of a body extremity. An image of a body extremity is acquired using a mammography x-ray system whereby a bone mineral density can be performed on the image. The system for determining the bone mineral density of a body extremity includes: a support for supporting the body extremity; a detector for capturing an image of the body extremity; and an x-ray source adapted to project an x-ray beam through the body extremity toward the detector, the x-ray source having a voltage of no more than about 45 kVp and having a target/filter combination of rhodium/rhodium, molybdenum/molybdenum, molybdenum/rhodium, or tungsten/rhodium. An attenuation filter separate from the target/filter combination may be provided between the source and the body extremity, between the body extremity and the detector, or both.