Medical imaging system having an array of distributed X-ray generators

An x-ray imaging system comprising:

• a digital x-ray detector;
• a fixed two-dimensional array of distributed x-ray generators, configured with dimensions of at least 10×10 cm, and a pitch of approximately 1 cm, the fixed two-dimensional array of distributed x-ray generators comprising:
• a first group of non-adjacent first emitters configured to project non-overlapping beams of radiation onto the digital x-ray detector;
• and
• a second group of non-adjacent second emitters, each of the second emitters arranged to be adjacent to at least one of the first emitters, the second group of non-adjacent second emitters configured to project non-overlapping beams of radiation onto the digital x-ray detector;
• wherein each pair of adjacent second emitters and first emitters are configured to project overlapping beams of radiation onto a respective area of the digital x-ray detector, if operated simultaneously;
• a means to selectively control x-ray emission from the fixed two-dimensional array of distributed x-ray generators to temporally separate beams of radiation projected from each pair of adjacent second emitters and first emitters;
• a means to selectively control the x-ray emission from the fixed two-dimensional array of distributed x-ray generators,
• a means to control the acquisition of a plurality of x-ray image data obtained from the digital x-ray detector,
• a means of reconstructing the acquired data into a three-dimensional representation,
• a means of visualizing, analyzing and storing the x-ray images acquired from the digital x-ray detector,
• a means for positioning and alignment of the fixed two-dimensional array of distributed x-ray generators relative to the digital x-ray detector and a patient positioned between the fixed two-dimensional array of distributed x-ray generators and the digital x-ray detector.