An x-ray imaging system utilizes enhanced computing arrays. A plurality of x-ray illumination source positions are utilized to produce x-ray radiation at each of the x-ray illumination source positions and to project x-ray radiation towards an object. A detector detects x-ray radiation from the object and transmits detector images for each of the illumination source positions. A memory buffer stores the detector images from the detector. A graphics processing unit formats the detector images and constructs a complete frame data set with the detector images for each of the illumination source positions. Another graphics processing unit receives the complete frame data set and performs image reconstruction on the complete frame data set.

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.

A position detection unit is disposed at an exposure position that is included in a camera image and a field of view of a camera and outputs a position signal indicating the position of a part of a peripheral portion of an electronic cassette. The calculation unit calculates an in-image cassette position which is the position of the electronic cassette in the camera image, on the basis of the position, direction, and size of the position detection unit in the camera image and the position signal. A composite image generation unit generates a composite image of the camera image and a cassette frame indicating the in-image cassette position. A display controller displays the composite image on a touch panel.

A composite image generation unit of a CPU of a console combines a camera image obtained by capturing an image of a subject located in an irradiation field using a camera and a positioning index image indicating a set position of the subject, which has been set in advance with respect to an in-image cassette position that is the position of the electronic cassette in the camera image, to generate a composite image. In a case in which the in-image cassette position is changed with the movement of the electronic cassette, the composite image generation unit changes a display position of the positioning index image with the change in the in-image cassette position.

A panoramic X-ray imaging apparatus includes: an X-ray generating unit; an X-ray detecting unit; a support that supports the X-ray generating unit and the X-ray detecting unit; a drive mechanism that turns at least the X-ray generating unit and the X-ray detecting unit by driving the support; a displacement mechanism that adds movement including a displacement component in a direction different from the turning to the X-ray detecting unit; a subject holding unit that holds an imaging subject; a turning controller that controls the turning by a drive mechanism and the displacement mechanism. The turning controller controls the drive mechanism and the displacement mechanism so as to add the movement avoiding the contact with the shoulder of the imaging subject during the turning of the X-ray generating unit and the X-ray detecting unit by the drive mechanism during the panoramic X-ray imaging.

An apparatus to perform a CT scan of an object of interest with a reduced radiation dose including: an X-ray source configured to circularly rotate about the object of interest, the X-ray source configured to generate an X-ray beam; a detector assembly configured to move in tandem with the X-ray source on the opposite side of the X-ray source with respect to the object of interest, wherein the detector assembly is fixed with respect to the X-ray source and configured to detect the X-ray beam on a side of the object of interest opposite to the X-ray source after the X-ray beam passes through the object of interest; a 6-DOF collimator coupled to the X-ray source and comprising a plate with a hole disposed within the plate, wherein an aperture of the X-ray beam is dynamically adjusted by controlling a 3-D pose of the plate.

A method for recording a scan from a series of 2D X-ray projections using a C-arm X-ray apparatus to reconstruct a region of interest. The method includes positioning the C-arm X-ray apparatus in an initial configuration and, while recording a series of X-ray projection views: translating the C-arm along a first path within a C-arm plane parallel to the periphery of the C-arm until the central ray vector extends through the virtual scan center and the region of interest is disposed within the fan beam, moving the C-arm peripherally along the orbital movement axis by at least 180 minus the fan angle, and translating the C-arm along a second path within the C-arm plane until the second limiting vector of the fan beam is tangential to the region of interest.

An X-ray imaging apparatus includes a touch panel monitor configured to provide an operation unit and a display unit for imaged image on the same screen. The apparatus displays a plurality of buttons corresponding to a plurality of imaging methods, and displays with a focus a first button corresponding to a first imaging method that has entered an imaging ready state. When imaging by the first imaging method is completed, the apparatus displays an imaged image on the display unit, displays the first button in a form that shows that imaging is completed, cancels the focus of the first button, and transfers the focus to a second button corresponding to a second imaging method that next enters an imaging ready state.

An X-ray generating tube including a transmission target having a minute focal spot. The X-ray generating tube includes a transmission target having a first surface configured to be irradiated with an electron beam; an electron emitting source configured to irradiate the transmission target with the electron beam obliquely; and a tubular forward shield member to define an extraction angle of an extracted X-ray beam. The forward shield member is disposed such that a central axis of the electron beam and a central axis of the X-ray beam whose extraction angle is defined are located at the same side with respect to a virtual normal plane perpendicular to the surface and a projection of the central axis of the electron beam to the surface.

A mobile radiography apparatus has a moveable (e.g., wheeled) transport frame and an adjustable column mounted at the frame. A boom apparatus supported by the adjustable column can support an x-ray source assembly. Radiation or X-ray source assembly methods and/or apparatus embodiments can provide mobile radiography carts a capability to direct x-ray radiation towards a subject from one or a plurality of different source positions, where the X-ray source assembly includes a first x-ray power source and a second plurality of distributed x-ray sources disposed in a prescribed spatial relationship.