X-ray examination apparatus for reconstructing a three-dimensional data set from projection images

An X-ray examination apparatus including:

• an X-ray source and an X-ray detector;
• a means for moving the X-ray source and the detector through (a) a series of original directions of observation around an initial reference plane, and (b) an additional series of additional directions of observation rotated from the initial reference plane;
• and
• a processor programmed to;
• form a series of original projection images at the original directions of observation,
• calibrate the original projection images to a frame of reference,
• form one of more additional X-ray images for one or more additional directions of observation,
• calibrate the additional X-ray images to the frame of reference, and
• reconstruct a three dimensional data set from the original and additinal images.

An imaging apparatus including:

• a means for forming a series of projection images at respective orientations relative to a predetermined frame of reference;
• a means for calibrating the orientations relative to the frame of reference;
• a means for forming separate series of projection images for separate sets of orientations relative to the frame of reference, which orientations for individual sets of orientations deviate from one another by a rotation about an axis of rotation which is specific of the individual sets;
• and
• a means for reconstructing a three-dimensional data set from the projection images.

A method of X-ray examination comprising the steps of:

• irradiating a subject with an x-ray source;
• detecting the radiation with a detector;
• forming a series of original projection images at respective original orientations of the X-ray source and the X-ray detector relative to a predetermined frame of reference, which original orientations are situated in a single rotation plane;
• calibrating the original orientations relative to the frame of reference;
• forming additional X-ray images for additional directions of observation which are rotated from the single rotation plane;
• calibrating the additional directions of observation relative to the frame of reference;
• and
• reconstructing a three-dimensional data set from the original and additional projection images.

An imaging apparatus including:

• a means for forming original and additional projection images at respective original and additional orientations relative to a predetermined frame of reference;
• a means for calibrating the original and additional orientations relative to the frame of reference;
• and
• a means for reconstructing a dynamic series of three-dimensional data sets including:
• a means for reconstructing a basic three-dimensional data set from the original projection images, and
• a means for dynamically updating the basic three-dimensional data set with the successive additional images.

An imaging method including:

• forming original and additional projection images at respective original and additional orientations relative to a predetermined frame of reference;
• calibrating the original and additional orientations relative to the frame of reference;
• and
• reconstructing a dynamic series of three-dimensional data sets including:
• reconstructing a basic three-dimensional data set from the original projection images, and
• updating the basic three-dimensional data set with successive additional images.

The imaging method including:

• forming a series of projection images at respective orientations relative to a predetermined frame of reference;
• calibrating the orientations relative to the frame of reference;
• and
• forming separate series of projection images for separate sets of orientations relative to the frame of reference which orientations for individual sets of orientations deviate from one another by a rotation about an axis of rotation which is specific of the individual sets.