X-ray imaging system with a combined filter and collimator positioning mechanism

An imaging system configured to rotate about a center point of rotation, the imaging system comprising:

• an X-ray source configured to direct X-rays along an X-ray path that passes through the center point of rotation to an X-ray imager;
• the X-ray imager, which is positioned at a fixed imaging distance along the X-ray path from the X-ray source and is configured to generate an X-ray image from the X-rays;
• and
• a positioning mechanism that is configured to:
• position a first collimator in the X-ray path at a first fixed distance along the X-ray path from the X-ray source so that a first opening of the first collimator defines a width of a first imaging field;
• position the first collimator out of the X-ray path;
• and
• position a second collimator in the X-ray path at a second fixed distance along the X-ray path from the X-ray source so that a second opening of the second collimator defines a width of a second imaging field.

A method of generating an X-ray image in a system that includes an X-ray source and an X-ray imager, wherein the X-ray source is configured to direct X-rays along an X-ray path that passes through a center point of rotation of the system to the X-ray imager and the X-ray imager is configured to generate an X-ray image from the X-rays, the method comprising:

• positioning in the X-ray path at a first fixed distance along the X-ray path from the X-ray source a first collimator configured with a first opening so that the first opening defines a width of a first imaging field;
• positioning in the X-ray path at a second fixed distance along the X-ray path from the first collimator a first compensating filter so that a photon flux of X-rays on the X-ray imager is more balanced than when the first compensating filter is not positioned in the first imaging field at the second fixed distance from the first collimator;
• while the imager is positioned at a fixed imaging distance along the X-ray path from the X-ray source, the first collimator is positioned in the X-ray path at the first fixed distance along the X-ray path from the X-ray source, and the first compensating filter is positioned in the X-ray path at the second fixed distance along the X-ray path from the first collimator, rotating the X-ray source and the X-ray imager about the center point of rotation;
• and
• while rotating the X-ray source and the X-ray imager about the center point of rotation, receiving the X-rays with the X-ray imager.