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Imaging chain for digital tomosynthesis on a flat panel detectorRelated Patent Categories: Image Analysis, Applications, Dna Or Rna Pattern Reading, X-ray Film Analysis (e.g., Radiography)Imaging chain for digital tomosynthesis on a flat panel detector description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20060291711, Imaging chain for digital tomosynthesis on a flat panel detector. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0001] The present invention relates generally to the field of digital tomosynthesis. More specifically, the present invention relates to an imaging chain for digital tomosynthesis on a flat panel detector. [0002] Digital tomosynthesis imaging is a technique that requires the acquisition of multiple x-ray images at different angles relative to the patient within a short time interval. Once these images have been acquired, a reconstruction algorithm is applied to the data represented by the images to reconstruct "slices" through the patient. These slices, which are essentially re-constructed x-ray images of selected planes within an object or patient, may eliminate any structures underlying or overlying a particular area or region of interest and thereby allow for improved diagnosis and treatment. [0003] The standard digital radiography (DR) image acquisition, processing, and display chain was not designed with tomosynthesis in mind. As a result, the use of standard digital radiography processes and procedures presents a number of potential problems when used in the performance of digital tomosynthesis. For example, patient motion in-between the successive acquisitions may result in images that include motion artifacts. Similarly, physiologic motion (e.g., motion of the heart, lungs, etc.) in-between the successive acquisitions may also result in images that include motion artifacts. Other potential problems, such as intensity and resolution non-uniformities, may arise as a result of the angulation of the source of the x-rays relative to the detector. Yet another potential problem is that the use of large angulation ranges may result in increased scatter when no grid is used. Furthermore, errors and uncertainty in the positioning of the source and the detector may result in image reconstruction artifacts. Still another potential problem is that the reduced exposure used in tomosynthesis (relative to the standard single acquisition) may result in increased noise being present in the resulting images. [0004] While various efforts have been made to address some of these potential problems, these efforts have generally been narrowly focused in one particular problem area. Moreover, these efforts have generally failed to address several potential opportunities that may be possible due to the additional information and data provided by digital tomosynthesis. One such opportunity involves the non-disruptive incorporation of three-dimensional imaging techniques into a traditional two-dimensional imaging system and workflow. Another such opportunity relates to the application of computer aided detection (CAD) algorithms to the additional image information that is generated by tomosynthesis. Still another opportunity is presented to create and utilize new visualization techniques that will enhance the diagnostic value of the additional information generated by tomosynthesis. [0005] It would be advantageous to provide a system or method of addressing, overcoming, or reducing the impact of more than a narrow subset of the problems that may arise as a result of using the standard digital radiography image acquisition, processing, and display chain for tomosynthesis. It would also be advantageous to provide a system or method that capitalizes on any one or more of the potential opportunities presented by digital tomosynthesis. Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a system or method that has any one or more of these or other advantageous features. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0006] The present invention relates to a method of creating and displaying images resulting from digital tomosynthesis performed on a subject using a flat panel detector. The method comprises the step of acquiring a series of x-ray images of the subject, where each x-ray image is acquired at different angles relative to the subject. The method also comprises the steps of applying a first set of corrective measures to the series of images, reconstructing the series of images into a series of slices through the subject, and applying a second set of corrective measures to the slices. The method further comprises the step of displaying the images or slices according to at least one of a plurality of display options. [0007] The present invention also relates to a system for creating and displaying images of the internal structures of a subject resulting from digital tomosynthesis performed with a flat panel digital detector. The system comprises a means for acquiring a series of x-ray images of the subject, where each x-ray image is acquired at different angles relative to the subject. The system also comprises a means for applying a first set of corrective measures to the series of images, a means for reconstructing the series of images into a series of slices through the subject, and a means for applying a second set of corrective measures to the slices. The system further comprises a means for displaying the images or slices according to at least one of a plurality of display options. [0008] The present invention further relates to a method of creating and displaying images of the anatomy of a patient using digital tomosynthesis performed with a flat panel detector and other equipment. The method includes the step of receiving inputs relating to options for acquiring x-ray images of the patient, where the options allow for the selection of at least one of a field of view, a method of controlling the dose of the x-rays, the energy level or levels at which the images will be acquired, how a source and a detector will move while the images are acquired, whether a large field of view is desired, the acquisition paths of the source and the detector, and the characteristics of slices to be constructed from the x-ray images. The method also comprises the steps of acquiring a single x-ray image of the patient and adjusting parameters relating to the acquisition of x-ray images. The parameters relating to the acquisition of the x-ray images include at least one of x-ray technique parameters, filtration techniques, position of acquisition, and angle of the acquisition. The method further includes continuing to acquire a single x-ray image and to then adjust the acquisition parameters until a sufficient number of images have been acquired. The method also includes applying detector corrections, intensity corrections, and geometric corrections to one or more of the images and performing at least one of frequency filtering for structure enhancement, tissue equalization, spatial filtering, and image resizing on one or more of the acquired images. The method further includes the steps of constructing at least one slice through the patient by applying a 3D reconstruction algorithm to the data represented by the acquired images, removing artifacts from one or more of the slices, and enhancing information provided in the one or more slices. Additionally, the method includes the step of optimizing the display of one or more of the slices by performing at least one of edge enhancement, tissue equalization, display window level adjustment, and display window width adjustment. The method also includes the step of displaying one or more of the slices as one of a two-dimensional or three-dimensional image or set of images. [0009] The present invention still further relates to a method of adjusting the acquisition parameters for the acquisition of images during tomosynthesis performed on a subject. The method comprises the step of acquiring a first image of the subject, where the first image provides information relating to the subject. The method also comprises the steps of selecting the acquisition parameters for the acquisition of a second image based on the information provided by the first image and acquiring the second image according to the selected acquisition parameters. [0010] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims, and drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a tomosynthesis system according to one embodiment of the invention. [0012] FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the steps in a tomosynthesis imaging chain according to a preferred embodiment. [0013] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the first step illustrated in the tomosynthesis imaging chain of FIG. 2. [0014] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the second step illustrated in the tomosynthesis imaging chain imaging chain of FIG. 2. [0015] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the third step illustrated in the tomosynthesis imaging chain imaging chain of FIG. 2. [0016] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the fourth step illustrated in the tomosynthesis imaging chain imaging chain of FIG. 2. [0017] FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the fifth step illustrated in the tomosynthesis imaging chain imaging chain of FIG. 2. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0018] Referring to FIG. 1, a tomosynthesis system 10 is shown schematically according to a preferred embodiment. Tomosynthesis system 10 includes an x-ray source 20, a detector 30, a computer 40, and supporting structure 50. [0019] X-ray source 20 is directed toward a subject 21 (e.g., object, patient, etc.) and is configured to emit a beam of x-rays 22 at desired times. Once x-rays 22 are emitted, they pass through subject 21 and are picked up by, or hit, detector 30. [0020] Detector 30 (e.g., x-ray detector, digital radiography detector, flat panel detector, flat detector, etc.) may be any one of a variety of different detectors conventionally known within the art or that will become available in the future (e.g., energy discriminating detectors that are theoretically capable of acquiring high and low energy images simultaneously). However, according to a preferred embodiment, detector 30 is a flat panel digital detector. When x-rays 22 are picked up by detector 30, they are converted into electrical signals that are sent to computer 40. The electrical signals will vary depending on a number of factors, including the angle at which x-rays 22 hit detector 30, the intensity of the different x-rays that hit detector 30, and a number of other factors. Based on these electrical signals, computer 40 is then capable of creating an image of the internal structures of subject 21. 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