Methods, systems, apparatuses, and computer programs for removing marker artifact contribution from a tomosynthesis dataset

A tomosynthesis imaging system for removing marker artifacts from a tomosynthesis dataset, the system comprising at least one processor operable to:

• acquire a first plurality of projection images by tomosynthesis x-ray imaging, the first plurality of projection images containing at least one imaged representation of at least one alignment marker;
• minimize the imaged representation of the at least one alignment marker on the first plurality of projection images to generate a second plurality of projection images;
• and
• reconstruct a plurality of tomographic images from the second plurality of projection images,
• wherein the at least one alignment marker is positioned anywhere within a field of view of the tomosynthesis imaging system, and
• wherein if the at least one alignment marker is more than one, then a correlation between each alignment marker is not predetermined.

An aiming ring of a tomosynthesis imaging system comprising:

• an aperture;
• and
• at least one alignment marker disposed within the aperture such that the at least one alignment marker appears anywhere within a field of view of the tomosynthesis imaging system, the at least one alignment marker capable of being imaged in a plurality of projection images by tomosynthesis x-ray imaging, and
• wherein if the at least one alignment marker is more than one, then a correlation between each alignment marker is not predetermined.