Grating device for an X-ray imaging device

An X-ray imaging method, comprising:

• providing a bi-functional option for switching between (i) differential phase-contrast imaging and/or dark-field imaging;
• and (ii) attenuation imaging by way of a grating device comprising an actuation arrangement and a grating arrangement;
• wherein the grating arrangement comprises a plurality of grating segments;
• and wherein the actuation arrangement is configured to move the plurality of grating segments with at least a rotational component between a first position and a second position;
• wherein in a first option;
• the grating segments are arranged in the first position in the path of an X-ray beam, so that the grating segments influence portions of the X-ray beam for the first imaging method;
• wherein in a second option;
• the grating segments are arranged in the second position outside the portions of the path of the X-ray beam, so that the portions of the X-ray beam are unaffected by the grating segments for the second imaging method;
• and furthermore comprising an X-ray anti-scatter grid or an X-ray collimator;
• provided with blades, wherein (i) the actuation arrangement and/or the grating segments, when being in the second position, are integrated in said blades;
• (ii) at least a subset of said blades comprises recesses configured to accommodate the actuation arrangement and/or the grating segments when being in the second position;
• and/or
• (iii) the actuation arrangement and the grating segments, when being in the second position, are positioned behind or in front of said blades along the direction of the X-ray beam so that the portions of the X-ray beam are unaffected by the actuation arrangement and the grating segments;
• deciding between the first and the second option;
• and
• performing one of the options.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium having one or more executable instructions stored thereon, which when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a X-ray imaging method, comprising:

• providing a bi-functional option for switching between (i) differential phase-contrast imaging and/or dark-field imaging;
• and (ii) attenuation imaging by way of a grating device comprising an actuation arrangement and a grating arrangement;
• wherein the grating arrangement comprises a plurality of grating segments;
• and wherein the actuation arrangement is configured to move the plurality of grating segments with at least a rotational component between a first position and a second position;
• wherein in a first option the grating segments are arranged in the first position in the path of an X-ray beam, so that the grating segments influence portions of the X-ray beam for the first imaging method;
• wherein in a second option the grating segments are arranged in the second position outside the portions of the path of the X-ray beam, so that the portions of the X-ray beam are unaffected by the grating segments for the second imaging method;
• and furthermore comprising an X-ray anti-scatter grid or an X-ray collimator provided with blades, wherein (i) the actuation arrangement and/or the grating segments, when being in the second position, are integrated in said blades;
• (ii) at least a subset of said blades comprises recesses configured to accommodate the actuation arrangement and/or the grating segments when being in the second position;
• and/or (iii) the actuation arrangement and the grating segments, when being in the second position, are positioned behind or in front of said blades along the direction of the X-ray beam so that the portions of the X-ray beam are unaffected by the actuation arrangement and the grating segments;
• deciding between the first and the second option;
• and
• performing one of the options.