Method and system for imaging a volume using a three-dimensional spiral scan trajectory
First Claim
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1. A method for generating a three-dimensional image, comprising:
- moving an X-ray source along a spiral scan trajectory;
acquiring projection data at a plurality of locations on the spiral scan trajectory, wherein projection data generated from different heights relative to a detector surface conveys greater depth information than projection data acquired along a two-dimensional trajectory; and
generating a three-dimensional image from the projection data.
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Abstract
A technique is provided for improving the depth resolution of tomosynthesis images. The technique provides for the use of spiral scan trajectories. The X-ray source may moved along the spiral scan trajectory, acquiring projection data at various locations on the trajectory which are offset in the z-direction, i.e., in a direction perpendicular to the detector. Projection data acquired at different positions in the z-direction may be used to generate three-dimensional, tomosynthesis images having improved depth resolution.
4 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for generating a three-dimensional image, comprising:
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moving an X-ray source along a spiral scan trajectory; acquiring projection data at a plurality of locations on the spiral scan trajectory, wherein projection data generated from different heights relative to a detector surface conveys greater depth information than projection data acquired along a two-dimensional trajectory; and generating a three-dimensional image from the projection data. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A computer program, provided on one or more computer readable media, for generating a three-dimensional image, comprising:
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a routine for moving an X-ray source along a spiral scan trajectory; a routine for acquiring projection data at a plurality of locations on the spiral scan trajectory, wherein projection data generated from different heights relative to a detector surface conveys greater depth information than projection data acquired along a two-dimensional trajectory; and a routine for generating a three-dimensional image from the projection data. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A tomosynthesis imaging system, comprising:
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means for moving an X-ray source along a spiral scan trajectory; means for acquiring projection data at a plurality of locations on the spiral scan trajectory, wherein projection data generated from different heights relative to a detector surface conveys greater depth information than projection data acquired along two-dimensional trajectory; and means for generating a three-dimensional image from the projection data.
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16. A tomosynthesis imaging system, comprising:
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an X-ray source configured to emit a stream of radiation through a volume of interest at a plurality of locations along a spiral scan trajectory; a detector array comprising a plurality of detector elements, wherein each detector element may generate one or more signals in response to the respective streams of radiation and wherein the one or more signals generated in response to streams of radiation emitted at different heights relative to the detector convey greater depth information than projection data acquired along a two-dimensional trajectory; a system controller configured to control the X-ray source and to acquire the one or more signals from the plurality of detector elements; a computer system configured to receive the one or more signals and to generate a three-dimensional image from the one or more signals; and an operator workstation configured to display the rendered image. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification