A method is for determining orthogonal slice image data sets of a tomosynthesis recording of an examination region. In an embodiment, the method includes recording a tomosynthesis recording and reconstructing a plurality of first slice image data sets in a first plane based upon the tomosynthesis recording; selecting a first slice image data set from the plurality of first slice image data sets; marking a microcalcification or a region of interest with a punctiform marking in the first slice image data set selected; and determining, from a second slice image data set in a second plane orthogonal to the first plane, and from a third slice image data set in a third plane orthogonal to the first plane and the second plane, wherein a point of intersection of the first plane, the second plane and the third plane includes the punctiform marking.

A method for generating result slice images with at least partially different slice thickness based on a tomosynthesis image data set of a breast includes generating average value slices and maximum value slices (MIP) based on the tomosynthesis image data set, frequency dividing the average value slices into low-pass filtered and high-pass filtered average value slices, high-pass filtering of maximum value slices to form high-pass filtered maximum value slices, mixing high-pass filtered maximum value slices and high-pass filtered average value slices to form mixed high-pass filtered maximum value slices, combining the low-pass filtered average value slices with the mixed high-pass filtered maximum value slices to form the result slice images, and applying a moving maximum value across a selected thickness of maximum value slices or across a selected thickness of mixed high-pass filtered maximum value slices.

An image acquisition unit acquires a plurality of projection images, which are generated by causing an imaging apparatus to perform tomosynthesis imaging for irradiating a subject with radiation under a first imaging condition for tomosynthesis imaging and which respectively correspond to a plurality of radiation source positions at the time of tomosynthesis imaging. A body movement determination unit determines whether or not the body movement of the subject is occurring during tomosynthesis imaging on the basis of the plurality of projection images. A condition setting unit sets a second imaging condition for simple imaging in the imaging apparatus in a case where the body movement is occurring.

Digital breast tomosynthesis represents an enhanced type of mammogram for detecting breast cancer. In this disclosure, data from digital breast tomosynthesis is reconstructed into a volumetric database with each voxel having a (x, y, z) coordinate and viewed in true 3D using geo-registered head display unit and geo-registered tools for overall enhanced diagnosis. The breast is imaged under various configurations and the internal architecture of an anatomic feature three-dimensionally analyzed. Additional dataset creation and three-dimensional imaging techniques are disclosed.

Digital Breast Tomosynthesis allows for the acquisition of volumetric mammography images. The present invention allows for novel ways of viewing such images to detect microcalcifications and obstructions. In an embodiment a method for displaying volumetric images comprises computing a projection image using a viewing direction, displaying the projection image and then varying the projection image by varying the viewing direction. The viewing direction can be varied based on a periodic continuous mathematical function. A graphics processing unit can be used to compute the projection image and bricking can be used to accelerate the computation of the projection images.

A method for imaging includes acquiring surface image data for a target using a first imaging modality. A visual representation of the target based on the surface image data is generated. Internal image data for the target is acquired using a second imaging modality. During acquisition of the internal image data, the visual representation of the target based on the acquired internal image data is updated.

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.

Provided is an apparatus for generating a synthetic 2D image, which includes: an image input unit receiving a 2D image at a plurality of angles or locations for a target object from a detector of a radiographic image acquisition apparatus; a tomosynthesis unit generating a 3D image reconstructed by using the 2D image input into the image input unit; a segmentation map generation unit generating a 3D segmentation map including segmentation data indicating characteristics or types of voxels constituting the 3D image; and a synthetic 2D image synthesis unit generating a synthetic 2D image by using the reconstructed 3D image and the 3D segmentation map.

Methods and systems are provided for reconstruction error assessment for an interventional tool utilized in an image guided interventional procedure. In one example, an error model based on a target lesion position within a tissue, one or more interventional tool parameters, and imaging system parameters may be utilized to estimate an expected reconstruction error for the interventional tool. In another example, when the interventional tool is within the tissue, the expected reconstruction error may be utilized along with observed tool shape and size to infer an actual tool position and shape within the tissue.

Methods and systems are provided for dynamic collimation adjustment during various x-ray imaging and image-guided procedures. In one example, collimation for an x-ray mammography system is adjusted based on a volume of interest, and further based on a workflow step of an imaging procedure. As an example, prior to a target selection, collimation may be adjusted to irradiate a larger volume of interest and x-ray system acquisition parameters, and hence, a greater area of a detector is irradiated; and after target coordinates are selected (e.g., for an interventional procedure), collimation may be adjusted to irradiate a reduced volume of interest based on the selected target and x-ray system acquisition parameters, and hence, a smaller area of detector is irradiated.