Multi-parameter X-ray computed tomography
First Claim
1. A method for producing an x-ray image comprising:
- providing at least one first dataset of primary x-ray signals as a majority of its data capable of being presented as a first image of an object subjected to x-ray imaging;
providing at least one second dataset comprising dark-field x-ray signals and primary x-ray signals as a majority of its data capable of being presented as a second image of the object;
combining the first dataset and the second dataset using a computer comprising a computer readable medium embedded with processing means for obtaining a target dataset having more dark-field (small-angle scattering) x-ray signals than the first or second dataset alone for producing a target image of the object which has higher contrast quality than the images based on the first or second dataset alone.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention relates to the field of x-ray imaging. More particularly, embodiments of the invention relate to methods, systems, and apparatus for imaging, which can be used in a wide range of applications, including medical imaging, security screening, and industrial non-destructive testing to name a few. Specifically provided as embodiments of the invention are systems for x-ray imaging comprising: a) a first collimator-and-detector assembly having a first operable configuration to provide at least one first dataset comprising primary x-ray signals as a majority component of its data capable of being presented as a first image of an object subjected to x-ray imaging; b) a second collimator-and-detector assembly having a second operable configuration or wherein the first collimator-and-detector assembly is adjustable to a second configuration to provide at least one second dataset comprising primary and dark-field x-ray signals as a majority component of its data capable of being presented as a second image of the object; and c) a computer operably coupled with the collimator-and-detector assemblies comprising a computer readable medium embedded with processing means for combining the first dataset and the second dataset to extract the dark-field x-ray signals and produce a target image having higher contrast quality than the images based on the first or second dataset alone. Such systems can be configured to comprise at least two collimator-and-detector assemblies or configurations differing with respect to collimator height, collimator aperture, imaging geometry, or distance between an object subjected to the imaging and the collimator-and-detector assembly.
167 Citations
22 Claims
-
1. A method for producing an x-ray image comprising:
-
providing at least one first dataset of primary x-ray signals as a majority of its data capable of being presented as a first image of an object subjected to x-ray imaging; providing at least one second dataset comprising dark-field x-ray signals and primary x-ray signals as a majority of its data capable of being presented as a second image of the object; combining the first dataset and the second dataset using a computer comprising a computer readable medium embedded with processing means for obtaining a target dataset having more dark-field (small-angle scattering) x-ray signals than the first or second dataset alone for producing a target image of the object which has higher contrast quality than the images based on the first or second dataset alone. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
-
-
8. A system for x-ray imaging comprising:
-
a first collimator-and-detector assembly having a first operable configuration to provide at least one first dataset comprising primary x-ray signals as a majority of its data capable of being presented as a first image of an object subjected to x-ray imaging; a second collimator-and-detector assembly having a second operable configuration or wherein the first collimator-and-detector assembly is adjustable to a second configuration to provide at least one second dataset comprising primary and dark-field x-ray signals as a majority of its data capable of being presented as a second image of the object; a computer operably coupled with the collimator-and-detector assemblies comprising a computer readable medium embedded with processing means for combining the first dataset and the second dataset to extract the dark-field x-ray signals and produce a target image having higher contrast quality than the images based on the first or second dataset alone. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A method of x-ray imaging comprising:
-
collecting x-ray data with a collimator-and-detector assembly configured to provide at least one first dataset comprising primary x-ray signals as a majority of its data; adjusting the collimator-and-detector assembly to a second configuration for collecting at least one second dataset comprising primary and dark-field x-ray signals as a majority of its data or collecting the second dataset with a second collimator-and-detector assembly configuration; computing the first and second datasets with a computer operably coupled with the collimator-and-detector assembly and comprising a computer readable medium embedded with processing means for extracting the dark-field x-ray signals for producing a target image having a higher contrast quality than an image based on the first or second dataset alone. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
-
Specification