Dynamic multi-spectral X-ray projection imaging
OwnerGuy M. Bessoninventor
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A multispectral X-ray imaging system uses a wideband source and filtration assembly to select for M sets of spectral data. Spectral characteristics may be dynamically adjusted in synchrony with scan excursions where an X-ray source, detector array, or body may be moved relative to one another in acquiring T sets of measurement data. The system may be used in projection imaging and/or CT imaging. Processed image data, such as a CT reconstructed image, may be decomposed onto basis functions for analytical processing of multispectral image data to facilitate computer assisted diagnostics. The system may perform this diagnostic function in medical applications and/or security applications.
Claims139
A method of obtaining multi-spectral projection and image data through and determining constituents of a body, the method comprising steps of:
- (a) projecting X-ray radiation along paths through a body by scanning a beam of X-ray radiation with respect to the body in synchronicity with system configuration for selective emission of the X-ray radiation having M sets of spectral characteristics, the paths extending from an X-ray source to a detector;
- (b) detecting the X-ray radiation with a plurality of detectors that each define an X-ray path terminus;
- (c) generating a plurality of signals representative of attenuation of the X-ray radiation on the X-ray paths, the plurality of signals allocated to one of T sets of measurements;
- (d) iterating through the above steps (a) through (c) to acquire measurements for substantially the same X-ray paths through the body, each measurement taken from differentiated source spectra in consequence of the projecting step (a) to provide multispectral projection data in M sets comprising T sets of measurements;
- and
- (f) processing the multispectral projection data in M sets to obtain image data decomposed onto basis functions representative of body constituents, and to obtain analytical results indicative of a diagnostic condition.
A system for imaging and determining constituents of a body, comprising:
- an examination structure configured to position a body for purposes of X-ray imaging, the examination structure having a configuration that is complementary to a body selected from the group consisting of an animal, an inanimate object, and a tissue sample;
- means for iteratively projecting X-ray radiation along paths through the body to provide the X-ray radiation in a plurality of the T sets of measurements according to M sets of spectral bands, each of the T sets of measurements being performed for a spectra selection made by scanning a beam of X-ray radiation with respect to the body in synchronicity with configuring the system for emission of a selected one of the M sets of spectral bands;
- means for detecting the X-ray radiation after passage through the body by use of a detector array that contains multiple detectors to produce detection signals from the detectors, the detection signals being representative of the X-ray radiation and attenuation of the X-ray radiation through the body to provide data acquisition;
- means for processing the detection signals to produce decomposed image data as a decomposition of line-integral functions as a sum of the attenuation coefficients along corresponding radiation paths mapped onto a set of basis functions representative of body constituents;
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- means for processing multispectral projection data and decomposed image data to obtain analytical results indicative of a diagnostic condition.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.