FULL FIELD DIGITAL TOMOSYNTHESIS METHOD AND APPARATUS
First Claim
1. A tomosynthesis system for forming a three dimensional image of an object, comprising:
- an X-ray source adapted to irradiate the object with a beam of X-rays from a plurality of positions along a path in a sector;
an X-ray detector positioned relative to the X-ray source to detect X-rays transmitted through the object; and
a processor which is adapted to generate a three dimensional image of the object based on X-rays detected by the detector;
wherein;
the detector is adapted to move relative to the object;
or the X-ray source is adapted to irradiate the object with the beam of X-rays such that the focal spot of the beam of X-rays follows a non arc shaped path;
or a center of the beam of X-rays impinges substantially on the same location on the detector from different X-ray source positions in the sector.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A tomosynthesis system for forming a three dimensional image of an object is provided. The system includes an X-ray source adapted to irradiate the object with a beam of X-rays from a plurality of positions in a sector, an X-ray detector positioned relative to the X-ray source to detect X-rays transmitted through the object and a processor which is adapted to generate a three dimensional image of the object based on X-rays detected by the detector. The detector is adapted to move relative to the object and/or the X-ray source is adapted to irradiate the object with the beam of X-rays such that the beam of X-rays follows in a non arc shaped path and/or a center of the beam of X-rays impinges substantially on the same location on the detector from different X-ray source positions in the sector.
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Citations
53 Claims
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1. A tomosynthesis system for forming a three dimensional image of an object, comprising:
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an X-ray source adapted to irradiate the object with a beam of X-rays from a plurality of positions along a path in a sector;
an X-ray detector positioned relative to the X-ray source to detect X-rays transmitted through the object; and
a processor which is adapted to generate a three dimensional image of the object based on X-rays detected by the detector;
wherein;
the detector is adapted to move relative to the object;
orthe X-ray source is adapted to irradiate the object with the beam of X-rays such that the focal spot of the beam of X-rays follows a non arc shaped path;
ora center of the beam of X-rays impinges substantially on the same location on the detector from different X-ray source positions in the sector. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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4. The system of 3, further comprising:
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a detector housing; and
a piezoelectric actuator adapted to move the detector in the detector housing.
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17. A tomosynthesis system for forming a three dimensional image of an object, comprising:
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a first means for irradiating the object with a beam of X-rays from a plurality of positions along a path in a sector, a second means for detecting X-rays transmitted through the object; and
a third means for generating a three dimensional image of the object based on X-rays detected by the second means;
wherein;
the second means is a means for detecting X-rays transmitted through the object and also for moving relative to the object;
orthe first means is a means for irradiating the object with the beam of X-rays such that a focal spot of the beam of X-rays follows a non arc shaped path relative to the object;
orthe first means is a means for irradiating the object with the beam of X-rays such that a center of the beam of X-rays impinges substantially on the same location on the second means from different first means positions in the sector. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28)
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20. The system of 19, further comprising:
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an actuator adapted to move the second means, wherein the second means comprises a detector; and
at least one of a movable arm and combination of a rail and a motor which is adapted to move the first means, wherein the first means comprises an X-ray source.
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29. A tomosynthesis method of forming a three dimensional image of an object, comprising:
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(a) acquiring a set of tomosynthesis projections, comprising moving an X-ray source along a path through a sector;
irradiating the object with a beam of X-rays from the X-ray source at a plurality of positions in the sector; and
detecting X-rays transmitted through the object with a detector; and
(b) generating a three dimensional image of the object based on the detected X-rays;
wherein;
the detector moves relative to the object during the acquisition of a set of tomosynthesis projections;
orthe X-ray source irradiates the object with the beam of X-rays such that the focal spot of the beam of X-rays follows a non arc shaped path;
ora center of the beam of X-rays impinges substantially on the same location on the detector from different X-ray source positions in the sector. - View Dependent Claims (30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42)
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43. A tomosynthesis system for forming a three dimensional image of an object, comprising:
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an X-ray source adapted to periodically irradiate the object with a beam of X-rays, wherein the X-ray source is adapted to emit the beam of X-rays while moving in a first direction along a path in a sector;
an X-ray detector positioned relative to the X-ray source to detect X-rays transmitted through the object, wherein the detector is adapted to move in a second direction opposite to the first direction while the X-ray source moves in the first direction and the X-ray source emits the beam of X-rays; and
a processor which is adapted to generate a three dimensional image of the object based on X-rays detected by the detector. - View Dependent Claims (44, 45)
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46. A tomosynthesis method of forming a three dimensional image of an object, comprising:
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rotating an X-ray source in a first direction in a path through a sector;
emitting a beam of X-rays from the X-ray source while the X-ray source is moving along the path in the first direction;
periodically irradiating the object with the X-ray beam;
moving a detector in a second direction opposite to the first direction while the X-ray source emits the X-ray beam and the X-ray source moves in the first direction;
detecting X-rays transmitted through the object with the detector; and
generating a three dimensional image of the object based on the detected X-rays. - View Dependent Claims (47, 48, 49)
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50. A tomosynthesis system for forming a three dimensional image of an object, comprising:
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at least two X-ray sources adapted to irradiate the object with beams of X-rays from a plurality of positions along a path in a sector;
an X-ray detector positioned relative to the at least two X-ray sources to detect X-rays transmitted through the object; and
a processor which is adapted to generate a three dimensional image of the object based on X-rays detected by the detector. - View Dependent Claims (51, 52, 53)
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Specification