Multimodal imaging apparatus and methods include a rotatable gantry system with multiple sources of radiation comprising different energy levels (for example, kV and MV). Fast slip-ring technology and helical scans allow data from multiple sources of radiation to be combined or utilized to generate improved images and workflows, including for IGRT. Features include increasing the precision of spatial registrations between respective image sets to allow more precise radiation treatment delivery, reducing image artifacts (e.g., scatter, metal and beam hardening, image blur, motion, etc.), and utilization of dual energy imaging (e.g., for material separation and quantitative imaging, patient setup, online adaptive IGRT, etc.).

An x-ray imaging apparatus and associated methods are provided to process projection data from an offset detector during a helical scan, including view completion. The detector may be offset in the channel and/or axial direction. Projection data measured from a current view is combined with projection data measured from at least one conjugate view to reconstruct a target image. A two-dimensional aperture weighting scheme is used to address data redundancy.

A system (SC) for controlling operation of a multi-focal-spot X-ray imager (IA). The system comprises a projection direction determiner (PDD) configured to determine a projection direction for an object (OB) to be imaged, based on a geometric structure of a model m(OB) for the object (OB). A selector (SX) of the system is configured to select, from the imager (IA)'s plurality of focal-spot-detector pairs (IPj) with different optical axes (OXj), at least one target pair whose optical axis corresponds to the determined projection direction.

Methods and systems for medical imaging including synthesizing virtual projections from acquired real projections and generating reconstruction models and images based on the synthesized virtual projections and acquired real projections. For example, first x-ray imaging data is generated from a detected first x-ray emission at a first angular location and second x-ray imaging data is generated from a detected second x-ray emission at a second angular location. Based on at least the first x-ray imaging data and the second x-ray imaging data, third x-ray imaging data for a third angular location relative to the breast may be synthesized. An image of the breast may be displayed or generated from the third x-ray imaging data.

A method of determining the imaging arm's optimal 3-dimensional position and orientation for taking images of a body implant or body structure such as vertebral body is provided. Test images of vertebral body of interest are initially taken by the user and are received by the imaging device. The test images typically include AP and lateral x-ray images of the vertebral body. From the test images, the vertebral body is segmented. A 3-dimensional model of the vertebral body is then aligned against the corresponding vertebral body in the test images. Based on the alignment, a 3-dimensional position and orientation of the imaging arm for taking optimal A-P and lateral x-ray images are determined based on the aligned 3-dimensional model. The present method eliminates the need to repeatedly take fluoro shots manually to find the optimum images to thereby reduce procedural time, x-ray exposure and procedure costs.

A device and methods for performing a simulated CT biopsy on a region of interest on a patient. The device comprises a gantry (22) configured to mount an x-ray emitter (24) and CT detector (26) on opposing sides of the gantry, a motor (28) rotatably coupled to the gantry such that the gantry rotates horizontally about the region of interest, and a rotation of source high resolution x-ray detector (172) positioned adjacent the CT detector in between the CT detector and the x-ray emitter.

Disclosed herein an apparatus comprising: a radiation source configured to produce a beam of radiation toward an object; an image sensor comprising a plurality of radiation detectors spaced apart from one another. The image sensor is configured to move between a first position and a second position, relative to the object. The radiation source is configured to move along a path relative to the object. Disclosed herein is a method comprising: positioning an image sensor at a first position relative to an object, the image sensor comprising a plurality of radiation detectors spaced apart from one another; capturing a first set of images of the object, by using the radiation detectors and with a beam of radiation from a radiation source, while moving the radiation source among a first plurality of positions on a path, relative to the object; positioning the image sensor at a second position relative to the object; capturing a second set of images of the object, by using the radiation detectors and with the beam of radiation, while moving the radiation source among a second plurality of positions on the path, relative to the object.

A method is provided for determining a relative position of an object in relation to an x-ray imaging apparatus for creating an x-ray and a recorded image. The method includes bringing an object in a ray path of an x-ray into a first position. In a first recorded image, at least one defined geometry in and/or on the object is imaged. A measure for a change in the first focus point towards a second focus point is undertaken at the x-ray source. In the second recorded image, the at least one defined geometry is imaged. A distance from the object to the x-ray source and/or to the x-ray detector is determined based on the change in the focus point, as well as on the basis of the images of the at least one defined geometry in the first and the second recorded image.

The present application discloses a computed tomography system having non-rotating X-ray sources that are programmed to optimize the source firing pattern. In one embodiment, the CT system is a fast cone-beam CT scanner which uses a fixed ring of multiple sources and fixed rings of detectors in an offset geometry. It should be appreciated that the source firing pattern is effectuated by a controller, which implements methods to determine a source firing pattern that are adapted to geometries where the X-ray sources and detector geometry are offset.

The disclosure relates to a method for imaging by a medical X-ray device. In order to enable a reduction of an X-ray dose during imaging, the method includes: determining a viewing parameter of a viewer with reference to a future display of an image recorded by the X-ray device, determining a recording parameter set including an X-ray dose at least partially in dependence on the viewing parameter, and recording an image by the X-ray device using the recording parameter set.