A method for generating a combined projection image from a medical inspection object, includes steps of capturing a set of initial projection images; reconstructing a first and a second three-dimensional volume from the set of initial projection images; generating a first re-projection image from the first three-dimensional volume and a second re-projection image from the second three-dimensional volume; weighting the first re-projection image and the second re-projection image; and combining the weighted first re-projection image and second re-projection image for generating the combined projection image.

An imaging system is provided that includes a gantry having a bore extending therethrough; a plurality of image detectors attached to the gantry and radially spaced around a circumference of the bore such that gaps exist between image detectors along the circumference of the bore; an x-ray source attached to the gantry, wherein the x-ray source transmits x-rays across the bore towards at least two of the image detectors; wherein at least two image detectors detect both emission radiation and x-ray radiation.

The present invention provides an X-ray transceiving component for a CT imaging apparatus, comprising one or more bulb devices and a plurality of detector devices. The one or more bulb devices are configured to emit quadrate-tapered or fan-shaped X-ray beams. The plurality of detector devices are configure to receive the quadrate-tapered or fan-shaped X-ray beams emitted by the one or more bulb devices, each of the quadrate-tapered or fan-shaped X-ray beams comprising X-rays passing through a scanning field of view. Note that the plurality of detector devices are configured to receive X-rays passing through different areas within the scanning field of view, the one or more bulb devices are micro-focus bulb devices, and the plurality of detector devices are flat panel detectors or photoelectric coupling detectors. The present invention can greatly improve a resolution of CT imaging, increase imaging efficiency, and realize low-dose diagnosis in the case of ensuring that the scanning field of view is sufficient.

A system and corresponding method for detecting one or more high-atomic-number elements in a patient includes a Bremsstrahlung x-ray source that produces x-rays in an energy spectrum including an energy of at least 160 kiloelectron-volts (keV), a filter configured to absorb the x-rays in a region of the energy spectrum, and a collimator configured to receive the x-rays and output a collimated x-ray beam to be incident on a patient. The system and method can also include one or more collimated, energy-resolving x-ray detectors to detect fluorescent radiation emitted from the one or more high-atomic-number elements in the patient in response to the collimated x-ray beam incident on the patient. An alternative x-ray source can include a radioactive isotope. Scanning of the x-ray beam may also be performed. Embodiments enable practical clinical, in vivo measurements of lead in bone.

There is provided an X-ray CT apparatus including: an X-ray source; a wedge which is disposed between the X-ray source and a subject and in which a shield blocking apart of an X ray is formed; a wedge driving unit for moving position of the wedge; and a system control unit controlling the wedge driving unit during a scan execution period to control the position of the wedge.

A collimator for use in a CT system made of an X-ray absorbing material, the collimator comprises an imaging aperture having a first width for passage of a first X-ray beam, the first X-ray beam being used for X-ray imaging, and a tracking aperture having a second width for passage of a second X-ray beam, the second X-ray beam being used for X-ray beam tracking.

The invention relates to a system (31) for generating spectral computed tomography projection data. A spectral projection data generation device (6) comprising an energy-resolving detector generates spectral computed tomography projection databased on polychromatic radiation (4), which has been provided by a radiation device (2), after having traversed an examination zone (5), and a reference values generation device generates energy-dependent reference values based on radiation, which has not traversed the examination zone. A spectral parameter providing unit (12) provides a spectral parameter being indicative of a spectral property of the radiation device based on the energy-dependent reference values. In particular, spectral properties of the radiation device can be monitored over time, wherein this information can be used for, for instance, correcting the spectral computed tomography projection data, and/or, if undesired spectral properties of the radiation device are indicated, triggering a replacement of the radiation device.

A dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (“DXA”) system includes an x-ray source assembly comprising a source carriage to move the x-ray source assembly along a scan path, the scan path comprising an active scan portion and a reference measurement portion. A detector assembly including a detector carriage to move the detector assembly with the source assembly and to collect scan data at active scan portions. A support structure supporting the source and detector assemblies. A calibration controller coupled a calibration element having a known x-ray attenuation value and configured position the calibration element between the source and detector assemblies during the reference measurement portion and to remove the calibration element from between the source and detector assemblies during the active scan portion. A processing unit operable to compare the reference measurement against an expected reference value to identify a variance and to selectively trigger an action in response to the variance.

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.

Various methods and systems are provided for stationary CT imaging. In one embodiment, a method for an imaging system includes activating a plurality of emitters of a stationary distributed x-ray source unit to emit x-ray beams toward an object within an imaging volume, where the x-ray source unit does not rotate around the imaging volume, receiving attenuated x-ray beams with one or more detector arrays to form a sparse view projection dataset, where each attenuated x-ray beam generates a different view, and reconstructing an image from the sparse view projection dataset using a sparse view reconstruction method.