X-ray scanning system

• US 8,837,669 B2
• Filed: 11/28/2011
• Issued: 09/16/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/25/2003
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Rapiscan Systems Incorporated (OSI Systems Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Rapiscan Systems Incorporated (OSI Systems Incorporated)
• Inventors: Morton, Edward James
• Primary Examiner(s): Yun, Jurie
• Application Number:
  US13/304,738
• Publication Number:
  US 20130136229A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,023 Days
• Field of Search: 378/4, 378/10, 378/12, 378/41, 378/42
• US Class Current: 378/41
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/022 Stereoscopic imaging
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/027 characterised by the use of a particular data acquisition trajectory, e.g. helical or spiral
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/032 Transmission computed tomography [CT]
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/06 Diaphragms
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/4028 resulting in acquisition of views from substantially different positions, e.g. EBCT
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/487 involving fluoroscopy
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/503 for diagnosis of the heart
• CPC Class Codes: A61B 6/504 for diagnosis of blood vessels, e.g. by angiography

Abstract

This specification discloses methods and systems for generating a stereo image of an object that is positioned within an imaging volume. The object is positioned within the imaging volume. Two stationary X-ray source points are selected and activated. X-rays from both stationary X-ray source points are transmitted through the object being scanned and detected using detector elements positioned across the imaging volume and opposite the stationary X-ray source points. Image data sets from the X-rays detected by the detector elements are generated and then combined to produce the stereo image.

Claims

1. A method of generating a stereo image of an object that is positioned within an imaging volume comprising:

positioning the object within the imaging volume;

selecting a first stationary X-ray source point;

selecting a second stationary X-ray source point having a predetermined angle from the first stationary X-ray source point, wherein said angle is determined based upon a size of the object being scanned;

activating the first stationary X-ray source point while the object remains stationary;

detecting X-rays transmitted through the object being scanned using a first detector element positioned across the imaging volume and opposite the first stationary X-ray source point;

activating the second stationary X-ray source point while the object remains stationary;

detecting X-rays transmitted through the object being scanned using a second detector element positioned across the imaging volume and opposite the second stationary X-ray source point;

generating a first image data set from the X-rays detected by the first detector element;

generating a second image data set from the X-rays detected by the second detector element; and

combining the first image data set and second image data set to produce the stereo image.

2. The method of claim 1 wherein X-rays from each of said first and second X-ray source points is generated by a single stationary X-ray source comprising an anode.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein the first detector element and second detector element are part of a detector array, wherein said detector array comprises a plurality of rings of detector elements and wherein each of said plurality of rings encompasses a portion of said imaging volume.

4. The method of claim 3 wherein each of said plurality of rings has a length parallel to a central axis of the imaging volume, wherein the central axis has a length, and wherein the length of the central axis is greater than the length of each one of said plurality of rings.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein the first detector element is part of a detector array and wherein the first X-ray source point is positioned behind a portion of said detector array.

6. The method of claim 1 wherein the second detector element is part of a detector array and wherein the second X-ray source point is positioned behind a portion of said detector array.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein X-rays transmitted from the first stationary X-ray source point pass through a first collimating slot prior to entering the imaging volume.

8. The method of claim 7 wherein X-rays transmitted from the second stationary X-ray source point pass through a second collimating slot prior to entering the imaging volume.

9. The method of claim 8 wherein each of said first collimating slot and second collimating slot are formed in a detector array positioned between the first X-ray source point and the imaging volume and positioned between the second X-ray source point and the imaging volume.

10. The method of claim 8 wherein each of said first collimating slot and second collimating slot are part of the same slot extending a length of a central axis of the imaging volume.

11. The method of claim 10 wherein the slot extending a length of a central axis of the imaging volume has a helical shape.

12. The method of claim 10 wherein the slot extending a length of a central axis of the imaging volume comprises a plurality of stepped loci.

13. The method of claim 10 wherein the slot extending a length of a central axis of the imaging volume forms a three-dimensional locus around the imaging volume.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein said locus passes through substantially every plane of the imaging volume.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising a controller for scanning the imaging volume by activating each of the source points.