Abstract: A method is proposed for collimating an off-center sub-object of an examination subject by a collimator of an X-ray diagnostic apparatus. The apparatus has a computed tomography imaging system having a first X-ray source and a computed tomography X-ray detector disposed opposite the first X-ray source having a number of individual detectors and an angiographic imaging system having a second X-ray source offset to the first X-ray source and a flat panel X-ray detector disposed opposite the second X-ray source with matrix shaped pixel elements. A 3D image of the subject is taken by the CT imaging system. The off-center sub-object is selected based on the 3D image. The position of the sub-object is determined for a shooting position of the angiographic imaging system according to the fixed relative disposition between the angiographic imaging system and the CT imaging system. The collimator is adjusted accordingly for collimating the off-center section.

Abstract: A system and method for forming volumetric images of an imaged object based on multiple radiation measurements of the object taken from different angles. A first volumetric image of the object may be calculated using a direct reconstruction method from a plurality of radiation measurements of the object. At least one iteration of an iterative reconstruction method may be performed to compute a second volumetric image of the object. The iterative reconstruction method may be initialized with the first volumetric image of the object.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the reconstruction of image data of a moving object to be examined from measurement data, wherein the measurement data has previously been established in a relative rotational movement between a radiation source of a computed tomography system and the object to be examined. In at least one embodiment, first image data is reconstructed from an incomplete measurement data record by way of an iterative algorithm, wherein in the iterative reconstruction a dimension is used which contains probability information relating to pixel values of the image data to be reconstructed.

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 non-rotational CT system according to the present invention comprises: a plurality of X-ray generation units which are radially arranged by being spaced at certain intervals around an inspected object, and in which position correcting sensors are equipped on one side thereof; a plurality of X-ray detection units which are arranged in separated spaces between the X-ray generation units, are provided alternately with the X-ray generation units, and in which position correcting sensors are equipped on one side thereof; a control unit which receives signals from the position correcting sensors equipped in the X-ray generation units and the X-ray detection units, and adjusts the positions of each of the X-ray generation units and the X-ray detection units which face each other to precisely correspond with each other; a data processing unit which stores two-dimensional X-ray images obtained from the X-ray detection units, and applies an image interpolation technique to calculate two-dimensional X-ray images betwe

Abstract: A mammography apparatus has at least one x-ray source to emit x-ray radiation and an x-ray detector with a number of pixels. The mammography apparatus is designed so that the x-ray radiation is emitted into the breast tissue of a patient at a number of positions, and the x-ray radiation is detected by the x-ray detector after it has passed through the breast tissue. The positions have different distances from the shoulder-to-shoulder axis of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for inverse geometry volume computed tomography medical imaging of a human patient. A plurality of stationary x-ray sources for producing x-ray radiation are used. A rotating collimator located between the plurality of x-ray sources and the human patient is also used. A rotating detector can also be used.

Abstract: In a multi-source X-ray CT scanner having multiple X-ray sources, an imaging FOV size is fixed. In the X-ray CT scanner, a position of at least one of multiple X-ray generators is movable in the Z-axis direction (in the rotation axis direction). It is further possible to configure such that while shifting the X-ray generator, the rotation speed of the rotating plate is kept to be a predetermined value or less. Highly precise CT measurement is implemented as to various imaging FOV sizes, without exposing the test subject to ineffective radiation.

Abstract: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a dual-source CT device with two focus-detector systems arranged on a gantry offset at an angle n and at least one embodiment relates to a method for spiral scanning and for the reconstruction of tomographic image data of a patient. In at least one embodiment, the detectors have a different z-width in the system axis direction and a computer system with a program memory with at least one computer program, by which during operation the dual-source CT device controls a spiral scanning of a patient and CT-image data is reconstructed from absorption data obtained from both unequally wide detectors, wherein in particular a spiral is controlled with a couch feed rate per rotation, which is greater than the maximum couch feed rate possible with the narrower detector.

Abstract: A method and imaging system for operating imaging computed tomography using at least one radiation source and at least one detector to generate an image of an object. The method includes: defining desired image characteristics; and performing calculations to determine the pattern of fluence to be applied by the at least one radiation source, to generate said desired image quality or characteristics. Then, the at least one radiation source is modulated, to generate the intended pattern of fluence between the beam source and the object to be imaged. The desired image characteristics can provide at least one of: desired image quality in at least one defined region of interest; and at least one desired distribution of said image quality.

Abstract: The invention relates to a rotational X-ray device (100), for example a CT scanner, for generating phase contrast images of an object (1). In a particular embodiment of the device (100), a plurality of X-ray sources (11), an X-ray detector (30), and an analyzer grating (G2) are attached to a rotatable gantry (20), while a ring-shaped phase grating (G1) is stationary. The X-ray sources are disposed such that X-rays first pass an object under study before traversing the phase grating (G1) and subsequently the analyzer grating (G2). This is achieved by either shifting the X-ray sources axially with respect to the ring-shaped phase grating (G1) or by disposing the X-ray sources in the interior of the ring. Moreover, the phase grating (G1) and the analyzer (G2) shall have spatially varying relative phase (and/or periodicity), for example realized by line grids that are tilted with respect to each other.

Abstract: A method for recording a projection dataset of a object to be recorded using a plurality of X-ray sources is provided, which X-ray sources are spaced apart from one another on average by an angle ? relative to an isocenter. A plurality of projection images from different recording directions are recorded in succession while activating the corresponding X-ray sources. Two X-ray sources are activated in succession having a spacing of at least 2 ? relative to the isocenter.

Abstract: The present application is directed toward the generation of three dimensional images in a tomography system having X-ray sources offset from detectors, in particular in a system where the sources are located on a plane, while detectors are located on multiple parallel planes, parallel to the plane of sources and all the planes of detectors lie on one side of the plane of sources. A controller operates to rebin detected X-rays onto a non-flat surface, perform two dimensional reconstruction on the surface, and generate the three dimensional image from reconstructed images on the plurality of surfaces.

Abstract: A radiation system includes a first radiation source and a first detector positioned opposite to each other configured to image a body portion, and a second radiation source and a second detector positioned opposite to each other configured to image a region of interest in the body portion. The first radiation source has a first spot size and the first detector has a first pixel size. The second radiation source has a second spot size and the second detector has a second pixel size. The first spot size of the first radiation source may be different from the second spot size of the second radiation source, and/or the first pixel size of the first detector may be different from the second pixel size of the second detector.

Abstract: A method for estimating properties of porous media, such as fine pore or tight rocks, is provided. The method comprises digital image scanning of sequential sub-samples of porous media at progressively higher resolution to systematically identify sub-sections of interest within the original sample and then estimate properties of the porous media. The resulting properties of the porous media then can be optionally upscaled to further estimate the properties of larger volumes of the porous media such as rock facies or subterranean reservoirs. A system operable for conducting the method also is provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for CT scanning a heart with a dual-source CT device including detectors of different widths in a system axis direction and for reconstruction of tomographic image data. In at least one embodiment, at least two circular scans are performed at different z positions and the spacing in the z direction is chosen such that at least two first scan zones are produced which are scanned by way of a circular scan with two detectors and at least one second scan zone is produced which is scanned twice by one detector in two successive circular scans, wherein a dual-source reconstruction is performed in the first scan zones and a two-segment reconstruction is performed in the at least one second scan zone and finally a common tomographic image data set is produced. Further, at least one embodiment is directed to a dual-source CT device in which the detectors have different widths in the system axis direction.

Abstract: Photon counting detectors are sparsely placed at predetermined positions in the fourth-generation geometry around an object to be scanned in spectral Computer Tomography (CT). Optionally, integrating detectors are placed between the two adjacent ones of the sparsely placed photon counting detectors in the fourth-generation geometry. Furthermore, the integrating detectors are placed in the third-generation in combination to the sparsely placed photon counting detectors at predetermined positions in the fourth-generation geometry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portable x-ray CT scanner for generating diagnostically meaningful images of a subject, such as a patient's cranium. The system includes a gantry ring which is configured to be portable or hand-held which is tether to a power supply. The device allows for simple, quick scans which are compensated for movement artifact and may then be transmitted electronically to local or regional medical facilities in advance of the patient's arrival.

Abstract: An X-ray source system for a CT scanner includes a plurality of X-ray sources, wherein each X-ray source of the plurality is provided with a cathode from which an electron beam is emitted, an anode to receive the electron beam and at least one grid electrode, wherein the grid electrodes are configured to selectably block radiation from said X-ray sources; a high voltage generator for applying voltage to the plurality of X-ray sources, wherein each of the plurality of X-ray sources are configured to present substantially the same load to the high voltage generator; a grid modulator configured to apply voltage to grid electrodes of each of the plurality of X-ray sources in turn; and a controller for controlling the grid modulator so that only one of the plurality of X-ray sources emits radiation at any one time.

Abstract: A method for collecting three-dimensional data of an object from a series of projection images recorded by a biplane C-arm system is provided. A cardiac activity is recorded. The cardiac frequency and a start cardiac phase are determined for calculating parameters of the C-arm planes. The C-arm planes are set with the parameters and data is acquired in the start cardiac phase. The C-arm planes are uniformly rotated at a same speed in a forward motion over an angular area and record data at different angular areas at different cardiac phases. Data is acquired in the start cardiac phase after termination of the forward motion. The C-arm planes are uniformly rotated at a same speed in a backward motion over an angular area and records data at different angular areas at different cardiac phases. The captured data are reconstructed after termination of the backward motion upon completed acquisition.

Abstract: A radiation detector (16) having a first detector layer (24) and a second detector layer (26) encircles an examination region (14). Detectors of the first layer include scintillators (72) and light detectors (74), such as avalanche photodiodes. The detectors of the second detector layer (26) include scintillators (62) and optical detectors (64). The scintillators (72) of the first layer have a smaller cross-section than the scintillators (62) of the second layers. A group, e.g., nine, of the first layer scintillators (72) overlay each second group scintillator (62). In a CT mode, detectors of the first layer detect transmission radiation to generate a CT image with a relatively high resolution and the detectors of the second layer detect PET or SPECT radiation to generate nuclear data for reconstruction into a lower resolution emission image. Because the detectors of the first and second layers are aligned, the transmission and emission images are inherently aligned.

Abstract: This invention has one object to provide radiation tomography apparatus that allows suppression of arithmetic load of detection data with a wider detector ring. In order to achieve this purpose, the radiation tomography apparatus according to this invention performs coincidence only when two scintillation counter crystals that detect gamma rays coincidentally (A) belong to the same ring unit, or (B) belong to each of the ring units adjacent to each other. Accordingly, a distance in the central axis direction between the radiation detecting elements is limited to be equal to or less than a thickness of the ring unit in the central axis direction. Accordingly, radiation tomography apparatus may be provided that allows generation of the sectional image suitable for diagnosis while arithmetic load is suppressed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for inverse geometry volume computed tomography medical imaging of a human patient. A plurality of x-ray sources for producing x-ray radiation are used. The gaps between the x-ray sources is less than 20 cm. A collimator located between the plurality of x-ray sources and the human patient is also used. A detector is also used.

Abstract: A method for acquiring X-ray image data of an imaging volume is disclosed, the method using a detector and a distributed X-ray source structure having a plurality of single source elements, which are uniformly distributed with a common pitch to each other, the method comprises moving the distributed X-ray source structure and/or the detector with respect to the imaging volume, importantly, the maximum moving distance dmax of the distributed X-ray source structure during the acquisition of the X-ray image data is limited to the length lp of the pitch. Emitting of X-rays from the distributed X-ray source structure and generating a plurality of signals in response to the X-rays incident upon the detector are executed during the movement.

Abstract: X-ray imaging method, in which the data (c(a), ?(b)) are processed by a programmed computer using the following formula: C = ? ( b ) n + c ( a ) n - 1 2 n 2 ? ( ? k = 1 n ? c k ( a ) + ? u = 1 n ? ? u ( b ) ) to calculate a value (C) of the attenuation coefficient at a point (P0) of a set of points {P0}, for a given pair of said angular positions ?a and ?b, in order to obtain an image representing an X-ray attenuation coefficient for said set of points {P0} of the body (3).

Abstract: The techniques described herein provide for correcting projection data that comprises contamination due to source switching in a multi energy scanner. The correction is a multi-neighbor correction. That is, it uses data from at least two other views of an object (e.g., generally a previous view and a subsequent view) to correct a current view of the object. The multi-neighbor correction may use one or more correction factors to determine how much data from the other two views to use to correct the current view. The correction factor(s) are determined based upon a calibration that utilizes image space data and/or projection space data of a phantom. In this way, the correction factor(s) account for source leakage that occurs in multi energy scanners.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for acquiring panoramic, teleradiographic and optionally CBCT volumetric dental radiographies, comprising a support holding a rotary arm which in its turn supports at one end a first X-ray source and at the other end an X-ray detector at a suitable distance for acquiring panoramic and optionally CBCT volumetric images. Apparatus comprises only one patient positioning system and a second X-ray source at a distance from detector suitable for acquiring cranial teleradiographies.

Abstract: The present subject matter relates to inspection systems, devices and methods for x-ray inspection of objects. A conveyor can move an object to be inspected through an inspection zone along a direction of travel, one or more multibeam x-ray source arrays can provide multiple collimated x-ray beams through the inspection zone along a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel, and one or more x-ray detector arrays can detect x-ray beams passing through the inspection zone from the x-ray source array. X-ray signals detected by the x-ray detector array can be recorded to form multiple x-ray projection images of the object, and the multiple x-ray projection images can be processed into three-dimensional tomographic images of the object.

Abstract: A radiation tomography apparatus comprising a first imaging device for taking tomography images of a subject by introducing the subject in an introduction direction of the subject, a support member for supporting the subject, a support-member moving device for moving the support member in the introduction direction of the subject, a support-member movement controller for controlling the support-member moving device, a first cylinder provided in a first imaging view field of the first imaging device and having an opening extending in the introduction direction for introducing the support member and a first positioning device for positioning the first cylinder relative to the first imaging view field, the first cylinder guiding the movable support member.

Abstract: When performing nuclear (e.g., SPECT or PET) and CT scans on a patient, a volume cone-beam CT scan is performed using a cone-beam CT X-ray source (20) and an offset flat panel X-ray detector (22). A field of view of the X-ray source overlaps a field of view of two nuclear detector heads (18), and the offset of the X-ray detector (22) minimizes interference with nuclear detector head movement about a rotatable gantry (16). Additionally, a locking mechanism (80) provides automatically locking of the X-ray detector (22) in each of a stowed and operation position, improving safety and CT image quality.

Abstract: A C-arm system includes a first floor-mounted C-arm, a second ceiling-mounted C-arm, and a recording space for an object that is to be examined. The C-arms and the recording space are arranged in relation to each other such that recordings of the object may be made by the C-arms in two different planes. The second C-arm is configured for an orbital movement about an angular range of at least 180 degrees.

Abstract: A method and imaging system for operating imaging computed tomography using a radiation source and a plurality of detectors to generate an image of an object. The method includes: defining a desired image characteristics; and performing calculations to determine the pattern of fluence to be applied by the radiation source, to generate said desired image quality or characteristics. Then, the radiation source is modulated, to generate the intended pattern of fluence between the beam source and the object to be imaged. The desired image characteristics can comprise at least one of desired levels of contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and may provide at least one of: desired image quality in at least one defined region of interest; and at least one desired distribution of said image quality.

Abstract: An x-ray CT system and a method are disclosed for creating tomographic recordings with the aid of an x-ray CT system, with two emitter/detector arrangements operating with an angular offset on a gantry with at least two different x-ray energy spectra. In at least one embodiment, at least one first recording is reconstructed from detector data from two quarter rotations with different x-ray energy spectra and at least one second recording is created from detector data of a scan of at least one of the emitter/detector arrangements over a half rotation. According to at least one embodiment of the invention, the recordings are subjected to high-pass filtering or low-pass filtering in respect of their spatial frequencies and then the filtered recordings are combined to give a resulting recording.

Abstract: An X-ray imaging apparatus has at least one X-ray image system rotatable about an examination volume. The X-ray image system is controlled such that during a continuous rotation of the system, at least one 2D projection image is recorded. An image generation facility generates the 2D projection image from the measured data. The X-ray source includes an X-ray focus which can be changed in terms of position, which, during the recording of the 2D projection image, moves counter to the direction of rotation of the X-ray image system such that its spatial position in a fixed coordinate system does not change. The X-ray detector records several 2D partial images, from which the 2D projection image is calculated with the rotational movement of the X-ray detector being at least approximately compensated. The 2D projection images have significantly reduced image blur.

Abstract: In a method and device for generating a tomosynthetic 3D x-ray image, a number of digital x-ray images of an examination subject are acquired at respectively different projection angles, within a limited angle range, using an x-ray source and a digital x-ray detector. At an initial position for a selected projection angle, a spatially-fixed reference point is projected onto a partial region of the acquisition surface of the x-ray detector. For each further projection angle, a corresponding partial region on the acquisition surface is automatically determined. The tomosynthetic 3D image is reconstruction exclusively using image data from the respective partial regions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tomosynthesis system in which the maintenance is easily performed. The tomosynthesis system of the present disclosure includes a vacuum chamber, a plurality of X-ray sources configured to be coupled to the vacuum chamber so as to protrude from the vacuum chamber to generate X-rays in a direction of a subject and an image sensor configured to detect an X-ray projection image that passes through the subject.

Abstract: A computed tomography system includes at least two simultaneously operatable sets of detector elements, with at least one first set of integrating detector elements being designed for integrating radiation measurement and at least one second set of counting detector elements being designed to disperse an incident radiation spectrum into at least two energy bins; and includes a computer system for controlling the CT system and at least once capturing the measurement data of the detector elements with a memory and computer programs contained therein. The computer system is provided with programming so that a first mode is provided for operating only the at least one first set of integrating detector elements and a second mode is provided for the additional or sole operation of the at least one second set of counting detector elements.

Abstract: A method and a dual-source CT are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the projection data of the integrating and of the counting detector from a quarter rotation of the gantry is used jointly for reconstruction of a first tomographic image dataset, the energy-resolved projection data of the counting detector from at least one half rotation of the gantry being used for reconstruction of at least a second material-selective tomographic image dataset, and at least one tomographic result image dataset being formed by overlaying the first tomographic image dataset with the material selection of the second image dataset.

Abstract: A tomographic apparatus (10) includes at least two x-ray sources (16) that are concurrently driven with different switching patterns to generate uniquely encoded radiation. The tomographic apparatus (10) further includes at least two detectors (20) that each detect primary radiation emitted by its corresponding one of the at least two x-ray sources (16) and cross scatter radiation from at least one of the other at least two x-ray sources (16). Each of the at least two detectors (20) produces an aggregate signal representative of the detected primary and cross scatter radiation. The tomographic apparatus (10) further includes a decoupler (30) which, based on the different switching patterns, identifies at least one signal corresponding to at least one of the at least two x-ray sources (16) within the aggregate signal and associates the identified signal with its corresponding x-ray source (16).

Abstract: A multi-functional dental extra-oral x-ray imaging system includes a conventional x-ray source and manipulator to control the movement of the x-ray source by translating and rotating, a real time multiple frame producing x-ray imaging device and at least two different exposure profile programs, whereas one of such profiles produces a standard panoramic image and a second of such profiles produces an angled or transverse slice to a the panoramic image. A third exposure profile program produces a substantially linear projection of the human skull by combining two linear projections, one for the right and one for the left part of the head. The sensor is a linear direct conversion operating preferably in the frame mode and producing more than 100 fps.

Abstract: A multi-source computed tomography system has a first x-ray source and a second x-ray source that are respectively optimized for different imaging procedures and can be used simultaneously in the multi-source CT system. The first x-ray source can be optimized for higher power short-term operation and the second x-ray source can be optimized for lower power, longer term operation.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus provide for marking a location in a medical image, including: providing a first marker within a first medical image, which shows an object, at a first location, determining a second location, which corresponds to the first location, within a second medical image showing the same object, marking the second location with a second marker, which is different to the first marker, and presenting the first medical image, the first marker, the second medical image and the second marker.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method for X-ray imaging a human patient. A vacuum bell bonded to an X-ray radiation-permeable window that can emit X-ray radiation from a plurality of spots located 1 cm from its edge, a collimator, and a detector are used. A ring of stationary X-ray sources can also be used with a stationary collimator and a rotating slot collimator and detector. An X-ray beam can be aligned in an X-ray system by establishing a position of the beam with respect to a moving collimator at a number of points in time, monitoring the velocity of the collimator, navigating the beam to a calculated position of a hole in the collimator, and correcting the alignment of the beam based on the location of the beam on the detector.

Abstract: In radiotherapy apparatus comprising an imager for the MV beam and a separate kV imaging system, it is common for there to be significant artefacts in the kV image arising from the MV pulse. We disclose such a radiotherapy apparatus which is adapted to (i) cause the therapeutic source to emit radiation while keeping the diagnostic source inactive, (ii) read an image from the detector associated with the therapeutic source, (iii) cause the diagnostic source to emit radiation and while keeping the therapeutic source inactive, (iv) read an image from the detector associated with the diagnostic source, and (v) repeat as necessary. The control unit is preferably adapted to, at steps (ii) and (iv), read an image from both of the detectors, or to clear the “inactive” detector. The detectors are ideally flat-panel detectors, capturing a two-dimensional image.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for obtaining a 4D image data record of an object under examination using measured data from a computed tomography system in which projection data are accepted which were acquired by way of the computed tomography system at different imaging time points by way of an helical scan method following the administration of contrast medium to the object under examination). On the basis of the projection data, image data of the object under examination are then reconstructed and linked with the imaging time points to a space/time data record. Then, a parameterized 4D image data model is individualized with adaptation to the space/time data record by varying model parameters. An image processing device and a computed tomography system with an image processing device of this kind are also described.

Abstract: An imaging system includes a rotatable gantry having an opening therein to receive a subject to be scanned and configured to rotate about a central axis in a rotation direction. The imaging system also includes a first x-ray source coupled to the rotatable gantry at a first position, wherein the first position is offset from the central axis of the rotatable gantry by a first distance. Further, the imaging system includes a second x-ray source coupled to the rotatable gantry at a second position, wherein the second position is offset from the central axis of the rotatable gantry by a second distance, wherein the second position is offset from the first position in a direction coincident with the rotation direction, and wherein the second position is offset from the first position in a direction parallel to the central axis.

Abstract: An arc radiotherapy and imaging system is provided which includes a first radiation source and a second radiation source. The first radiation source is suitable for treating a region of a patient, and the second radiation source is suitable for imaging the region of the patient. A control is also provided for automatically adjusting system operation, according to a defined schedule, between treating the region of the patient using the first radiation source and imaging the region of the patient using the second radiation source, thereby facilitating both treating and imaging of the region of the patient.

Abstract: The present specification discloses an X-ray scanning system for scanning an object. The processing system has processors adapted to receive X-ray tomographic image data and extract parameters from the data, where the parameters include constant grey level, texture or statistics. The processing system also includes processors for executing decision trees, where the processors receive the parameters and construct information using the parameters and processors for conducting a database search, where the database search maps the information to a threat level and allocates the object being scanned to a safety category.

Abstract: An imaging system includes at least one radiation generating component (210) that alternately emits different radiation that traverse an examination region and a common detector (214) that detects radiation that traverses the examination region and generates a signal indicative thereof. Pulse generating circuitry (304) generates a pulse train, including a plurality of pulses, with a frequency indicative of the signal for the at least one radiation generating component (210) for a sampling interval. Processing electronics (220) determine an approximation of the signal for one of the at least one radiation generating components (210) for the sampling interval based on a number of pulses in the pulse train for the sampling interval and charge of the pulses in the pulse train.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for therapy delivery are disclosed. In one embodiment, a therapy delivery system includes a plurality of movable components including a radiation therapy nozzle and a patient pod for holding a patient, a patient registration module for determining a desired position of at least one of the plurality of movable components, and a motion control module for coordinating the movement of the least one of the plurality of movable components from a current position to the desired position. The motion control module includes a path planning module for simulating at least one projected trajectory of movement of the least one of the plurality of moveable components from the current position to the desired position.