Generating contrast-enhanced image data based on multi-energy X-ray imaging

#The present application hereby claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 to German patent application number DE 102016203257.7 filed Feb. 29, 2016, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference.

#At least one embodiment of the invention generally relates to an X-ray imaging method for generating contrast-enhanced image data. At least one embodiment of the invention further generally relates to an image data generating device. In addition, at least one embodiment of the invention generally relates to a computer tomography system.

#With the aid of modern imaging methods, two- or three-dimensional image data, which can be used for visualizing an examination object that has been imaged and in addition to this can be used for further applications, are frequently generated.

#The invention is described again hereinafter in further detail with reference to the attached figures by way of example embodiments. In the drawings:

#FIG. 1 shows a flow diagram that illustrates a method for generating contrast-enhanced image data of an examination region of an object to be examined,

#FIG. 2 shows a block diagram, with which an image data generating system according to one example embodiment of the invention is illustrated,

#The drawings are to be regarded as being schematic representations and elements illustrated in the drawings are not necessarily shown to scale. Rather, the various elements are represented such that their function and general purpose become apparent to a person skilled in the art. Any connection or coupling between functional blocks, devices, components, or other physical or functional units shown in the drawings or described herein may also be implemented by an indirect connection or coupling. A coupling between components may also be established over a wireless connection. Functional blocks may be implemented in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof.

#Various example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings in which only some example embodiments are shown. Specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merely representative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Example embodiments, however, may be embodied in various different forms, and should not be construed as being limited to only the illustrated embodiments. Rather, the illustrated embodiments are provided as examples so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the concepts of this disclosure to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, known processes, elements, and techniques, may not be described with respect to some example embodiments. Unless otherwise noted, like reference characters denote like elements throughout the attached drawings and written description, and thus descriptions will not be repeated. The present invention, however, may be embodied in many alternate forms and should not be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forth herein.

#It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers, and/or sections, should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element, without departing from the scope of example embodiments of the present invention. As used herein, the term “and/or,” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The phrase “at least one of” has the same meaning as “and/or”.