Methods for acquiring multi spectral data of an object
First Claim
1. A method of acquiring multispectral x-ray projection data of an object with an imaging apparatus, comprising:
- (a) Selecting an x-ray source x-ray radiation spectral characteristics by adjusting at least two parameter values from the group consisting of (i) an x-ray tube target track material, (ii) a generator peak kilo-voltage, (iii) an x-ray tube current, (iv) a filter composition, and (v) an x-ray tube focal spot size;
(b) projecting, in a first relative orientation between the object and x-ray imaging apparatus, x-ray radiation according to selecting step (a) through the object and acquiring a first set of measurements defining a first set of projection lines through the object;
(c) for at least one additional relative orientation between the object and the x-ray imaging apparatus, projecting x-ray radiation according to selecting step (a) through the object and acquiring an additional set of measurements defining an additional set of projection lines through the object, the additional set of projection lines overlapping, at least in part, with the first set of projection lines; and
(d) repeating steps (a) through (c) for at least two different parameter values;
wherein multispectral sets of projection data are acquired for the object at a multiplicity of x-ray spectra in a single scan for the object through the imaging apparatus.
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Abstract
A multispectral X-ray imaging system uses a wideband source and filtration assembly to select for M sets of spectral data. Spectral characteristics may be dynamically adjusted in synchrony with scan excursions where an X-ray source, detector array, or body may be moved relative to one another in acquiring T sets of measurement data. The system may be used in projection imaging and/or CT imaging. Processed image data, such as a CT reconstructed image, may be decomposed onto basis functions for analytical processing of multispectral image data to facilitate computer assisted diagnostics. The system may perform this diagnostic function in medical applications and/or security applications.
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Citations
55 Claims
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1. A method of acquiring multispectral x-ray projection data of an object with an imaging apparatus, comprising:
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(a) Selecting an x-ray source x-ray radiation spectral characteristics by adjusting at least two parameter values from the group consisting of (i) an x-ray tube target track material, (ii) a generator peak kilo-voltage, (iii) an x-ray tube current, (iv) a filter composition, and (v) an x-ray tube focal spot size; (b) projecting, in a first relative orientation between the object and x-ray imaging apparatus, x-ray radiation according to selecting step (a) through the object and acquiring a first set of measurements defining a first set of projection lines through the object; (c) for at least one additional relative orientation between the object and the x-ray imaging apparatus, projecting x-ray radiation according to selecting step (a) through the object and acquiring an additional set of measurements defining an additional set of projection lines through the object, the additional set of projection lines overlapping, at least in part, with the first set of projection lines; and (d) repeating steps (a) through (c) for at least two different parameter values; wherein multispectral sets of projection data are acquired for the object at a multiplicity of x-ray spectra in a single scan for the object through the imaging apparatus. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A method of acquiring multispectral computed tomography data of an object with a computed tomography apparatus, comprising:
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(a) selecting an x-ray source x-ray radiation spectral characteristics by adjusting at least two parameter values from the group consisting of (i) an x-ray tube target track material, (ii) a generator peak kilo-voltage, (iii) an x-ray tube current, (iv) a filter composition, and (v) an x-ray tube focal spot size; (b) projecting, for at least one relative orientation between the x-ray source and the object, x-ray radiation according to the selecting step (a) through the object and acquiring a first set of measurements defining a first set of projection lines through the object; (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) in a different relative orientation between the x-ray source and the object, such that at least two sets of projection lines through the object are acquired at at least two spectra; wherein projection data sets acquired in a single scan for the object through the computed tomography apparatus are sufficient for the generation of at least two computed tomography image estimates at at least two spectra for at least part of one cross section of the object. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33)
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34. A method of acquiring multispectral limited-angle computed tomography or tomosynthesis data of an object with an x-ray imaging system, comprising:
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(a) selecting an x-ray source x-ray radiation spectral characteristics by adjusting at least two parameter values for the group consisting of (i) an x-ray tube target track material, (ii) a generator peak kilo-voltage, (iii) an x-ray tube current, (iv) a filter composition, and (v) an x-ray tube focal spot size; (b) projecting, for at least one relative orientation of the x-ray source with respect to the object, x-ray radiation according to the selecting step (a) through the object and acquiring a first set of measurements defining a first set of projection lines through the object; (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) in a different relative orientation of the x-ray source with respect to the object, such that at least two sets of projection lines through the object are acquired at at least two spectra; wherein projection data sets acquired of the object in a single scan for the object through the x-ray imaging system are sufficient for the generation of at least two limited-angle computed tomography or tomosynthesis image estimates at at least two spectra for at least part of one cross section of the object. - View Dependent Claims (35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55)
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Specification