A size and/or shape specific 3D-beam modulation filter and a size and/or shape specific immobilizer are provided for cone-beam breast computed tomography (bCT). The immobilizer places the breast on an optimal position in the field of view of the scanner system and the 3D-beam modulation filter modulates the incident x-ray beam in the cone-angle (i.e. z-axis of the detector panel) and fan angle (i.e. x-axis of the detector panel) directions in order to improve equalization of the photon fluence incident upon the detector panel and reduce unnecessary radiation dose that the breast receives. Both the immobilizer and the 3D-beam modulation filter are selected among a plurality of alternatives based on the specific shape, size and/or shape or size of the person's breast.

An x-ray system comprising: at least two system statuses; at least one system status value associated with at least one of the at least two system statuses; at least one trigger; at least one activation parameter associated with the at least one trigger; the at least one activation parameter is selected from the group consisting of: (a) at least one system status value; (b) at least one system status value with a tolerance; and (c) at least one range of system status values; at least one set associated with the at least one trigger, the at least one set comprises at least one system status parameter, the at least one system status parameter comprises at least one of: (1) a system status value; (2) a system status value with a tolerance; and (3) a range of system status values; and wherein the system status is changed according to the set upon activation of the at least one trigger.

A multi-mode system and method for imaging a patient's breast with x-rays in one or more of a CT mode, a narrow-angle tomosynthesis mode, a wide angle tomosynthesis mode, and a mammography mode, using essentially the same equipment, on one or more compressions or immobilizations of the breast.

An imaging apparatus and associated methods are provided to efficiently estimate scatter during multi-fraction treatments for improved quality and workflow. Estimated scatter from one fraction during a treatment course can be utilized during subsequent fractions, allowing for measurements with higher scatter-to-primary ratios. The quality of scatter estimates can be maintained, while workflow improves and dosage decreases. Scan configuration limits can be utilized to maintain a minimum level of scatter measurement quality. Patient information can be monitored to ensure that prior fraction scatter estimates are still applicable to current patient status.

Methods and systems are provided for powering an imaging system. In one embodiment, a system comprises a direct current (DC) bus, an x-ray source coupled to the DC bus, a power distribution unit (PDU) with an input coupled to a three-phase alternating current (AC) source and an output coupled to the DC bus, and an energy storage apparatus comprising a supercapacitor, the energy storage apparatus coupled to the DC bus and configured to store electrical energy output by the PDU in the supercapacitor, and output the stored electrical energy directly to the DC bus for powering the x-ray source. In this way, an x-ray source of an imaging system may be adequately powered beyond the limitations of a PDU without upgrading the electrical utilities of a hospital and without upgrading the PDU. The supercapacitor is protected by FPGA by measuring input current, voltage, temperature, and voltage balance.

An x-ray imaging apparatus and associated methods are provided to execute multi-pass imaging scans for improved quality and workflow. An imaging scan can be segmented into multiple passes that are faster than the full imaging scan. Data received by an initial scan pass can be utilized early in the workflow and of sufficient quality for treatment setup, including while the another scan pass is executed to generate data needed for higher quality images, which may be needed for treatment planning. In one embodiment, a data acquisition and reconstruction technique is used when the detector is offset in the channel and/or axial direction for a large FOV during multiple passes.

Methods and systems are provided for adaptive scan control. In one embodiment, a method includes, upon an injection of a contrast agent, processing acquired projection data of an anatomical region of interest (ROI) of a subject to measure a contrast signal of the contrast agent, determining when each of a plurality of zones of a contrast scan are estimated to occur based on the contrast signal, updating a scan prescription for the contrast scan based on when each of the plurality of zones of the scan protocol are estimated to occur, and performing the contrast scan according to the updated scan prescription.

A method may include obtaining a feedback or a reference value of a tube voltage applied to a radiation source of a radiation device for generating radiation rays. The method may also include determining, based on the feedback or the reference value of the tube voltage, a specific value of a focusing parameter associated with a focusing device of the radiation device. The method may further include causing the focusing device to shape a focus of the radiation rays according to the determined value of the focusing parameter. The focus of the radiation rays may satisfy an operational constraint under the specific value of the focusing parameter.

An image processing apparatus comprises a generating unit configured to generate, using a plurality of radiation images corresponding to mutually different radiation energies, a first material decomposition image that indicates a thickness of a first material and a second material decomposition image that indicates a thickness of a second material that differs from the first material. The generating unit generates, using the first material decomposition image and the second material decomposition image, a thickness image in which the thickness of the first material and the thickness of the second material are added together.

An imaging control unit in a radiation imaging apparatus causes imaging in a plurality of modes varying in a setting value, and causes standby driving to reduce signals stored in a plurality of pixels during a period in which the plurality of pixels is not irradiated with radiation. The plurality of modes includes a first mode for first imaging using a first setting value and a second mode for second imaging using a second setting value different from the first setting value after the first imaging. The imaging control unit causes the standby driving using a setting value closer to the second setting value than to the first setting value in response to end of the first imaging in causing the second imaging.